Portable electronic device case accessories and related systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Case accessories for portable electronic devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, a case accessory may include a base configured to sit on a working surface, a support coupled to the base and configured to support a portable electronic device in an elevated position, a rotational mechanism coupled to the support configured to allow the holder to rotate in one or more directions relative to the support, and a holder coupled to the rotational mechanism and configured to secure the portable electronic device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/155,266, filed Jun. 7, 2011, entitled “PORTABLE ELECTRONICDEVICE CASE ACCESSORIES AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS,” and whichclaims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/352,286, filed Jun. 7, 2010, and entitled “ELECTRONICREADER CASES AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS,” U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/368,047, filed Jul. 27, 2010, and entitled “HOLDERFOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/421,431, filed Dec. 9, 2010, and entitled “ROTATABLE CASE FORPORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” all of which are herein incorporated byreference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to portable electronic devicesand, more specifically, to case accessories for portable electronicdevices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The written disclosure herein describes illustrative embodiments thatare non-limiting and non-exhaustive. Reference is made to certain ofsuch illustrative embodiments that are depicted in the figures, inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a case for a portable electronic device oriented in aportrait viewing mode consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of the case illustrated inFIG. 1 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear elevation view of the case illustrated in FIG.1 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear elevation view of the case illustrated in FIG.1 wherein the case is oriented in a landscape viewing mode consistentwith embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates another case for a portable electronic deviceconfigured in an open position and oriented in a portrait viewing modeconsistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top perspective view of the case illustrated inFIG. 5 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a rear elevation view of the case illustrated in FIG.5 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a rear elevation view of the case illustrated in FIG.5 configured in an open position and oriented in a landscape viewingmode consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a top perspective view of the case illustrated inFIG. 5 configured in a closed position consistent with embodiments ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side elevation view of the case illustrated inFIG. 5 configured in a closed position consistent with embodiments ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates another case for a portable electronic deviceoriented in a portrait viewing mode consistent with embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 12 illustrates a top perspective view of the case illustrated inFIG. 11 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 illustrates another case for a portable electronic deviceoriented in a portrait viewing mode consistent with embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of the case illustrated in FIG.13 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 illustrates another case for a portable electronic deviceconfigured in an open position consistent with embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 16 illustrates an isometric view of a portion of the caseillustrated in FIG. 15 consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 17 illustrates a rotatable case for a portable electronic deviceconfigured in an open position consistent with embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 18 illustrates another case for a portable electronic deviceconfigured in an open position and oriented in a portrait viewing modeconsistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 illustrates a top perspective view of the case illustrated inFIG. 18 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 illustrates a rear elevation view of the case illustrated inFIG. 18 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 illustrates a rear elevation view of the case illustrated inFIG. 18 configured in an open position and oriented in a landscapeviewing mode consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 illustrates a rotatable case in a landscape orientationconsistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 illustrates a rotatable case for a portable electronic devicerotated into a portrait orientation consistent with embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 24 illustrates a rotatable case in a closed position securing aportable electronic device consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 25 illustrates a rotatable case securing a portable electronicdevice in a landscape orientation and a first opened position consistentwith embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 illustrates a rotatable case supporting a portable electronicdevice at an angle in a landscape orientation and in a second openedposition consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 27 illustrates a portable electronic device secured by a rotatablecase including a pivot flap configured to allow the portable electronicdevice to be pivoted to a desired angle of inclination consistent withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 28 illustrates a portable electronic device secured by a rotatablecase including a grommet configured to allow the portable electronicdevice to be rotated from a portrait orientation to a landscapeorientation and vice versa consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 29 illustrates a rear view of a rotatable case securing a portableelectronic device in a portrait orientation consistent with embodimentsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 30 illustrates an interaction between a support panel of arotatable case and a securing panel via a grommet consistent withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 31 illustrates a securing panel of a rotatable case and a firstportion of a grommet consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 32 illustrates a support panel of a rotatable case including apivot flap and a grommet consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 33 illustrates a rotatable case integrated into a larger caseconsistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 34 illustrates a multi-pivot stand for a portable electronic deviceincluding a base, a vertical support, and a case configured in alandscape orientation consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 35 illustrates a multi-pivot stand for a portable electronic deviceincluding a data dock consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 36 illustrates a multi-pivot stand securing a portable electronicdevice in a landscape orientation consistent with embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 37 illustrates a rear elevation view of a multi-pivot standconsistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 38 illustrates a side elevation view of a multi-pivot standconsistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 39 illustrates a multi-pivot stand including a case coupled to avertical support consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 40 illustrates a release lever configured to selectively release anupper connection member of a multi-pivot stand in order to rotate a casefrom a landscape orientation to a portrait orientation consistent withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 41 illustrates another view of the release lever illustrated inFIG. 40 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 42 illustrates another multi-pivot stand including a caseconfigured to secure a portable electronic device capable of rotatingfrom a landscape orientation to a portrait orientation consistent withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 43 illustrates a multi-pivot stand including a case configured tovertically pivot about an upper connection member consistent withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 44 illustrates another view of the multi-pivot stand illustrated inFIG. 43 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 45 illustrates a multi-pivot stand including a case configured tohorizontally pivot about an upper connection member consistent withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 46 illustrates another view of the multi-pivot stand illustrated inFIG. 45 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 47 illustrates a component view of a multi-pivot stand including abase, a lower connection member, a vertical support, and upperconnection member, and a case configured to secure a portable electronicdevice consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 48 illustrates a base and a vertical support configured to bepivotably coupled via a lower connection member consistent withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 49 illustrates a base and a vertical support configured to bepivotably coupled via another lower connection member consistent withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 50 illustrates an exemplary base and vertical support configured tobe pivotably coupled via a lower connection member consistent withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 51 illustrates a holder for a portable electronic device consistentwith embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 52 illustrates another view of the holder illustrated in FIG. 51consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 53 illustrates a holder for a portable electronic device in ahandheld configuration consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 54 illustrates another view of the holder illustrated in FIG. 53consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 55 illustrates a component view of the holder illustrated in FIG.53 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 56 illustrates another view of the holder illustrated in FIG. 53consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 57 illustrates the holder illustrated in FIG. 54 in a standconfiguration consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 58 illustrates another view of the holder illustrated in FIG. 57consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 59 illustrates a rotatable holder for a portable electronic devicein a handheld configuration consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 60 illustrates another view of the rotatable holder illustrated inFIG. 59 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 61 illustrates a component view of the rotatable holder illustratedin FIG. 59 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 62 illustrates another view of the rotatable holder illustrated inFIG. 59 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 63 illustrates a handheld holder for a portable electronic deviceconsistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 64 illustrates another view of the handheld holder illustrated inFIG. 63 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 65 illustrates another view of the handheld holder illustrated inFIG. 63 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 66 illustrates a handheld holder for a portable electronic deviceconsistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 67 illustrates another view of the handheld holder illustrated inFIG. 66 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 68 illustrates a case for a portable electronic device consistentwith embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 69 illustrates another view of the case illustrated in FIG. 68consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 70 illustrates a handheld holder for a portable electronic deviceconsistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 71 illustrates a rotatable coupling mechanism consistent withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 72 illustrates another view of the rotatable coupling mechanismillustrated in FIG. 71 consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 73 illustrates another view of the rotatable coupling mechanismillustrated in FIG. 71 consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 74 illustrates a rotatable case for a portable electronic deviceoriented in a landscape configuration consistent with embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 75 illustrates the rotatable case illustrated in FIG. 74 orientedin a portrait configuration consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 76 illustrates the rotatable case illustrated in FIG. 74 configuredin a stowage mode consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 77 illustrates a rear perspective view of the rotatable caseillustrated in FIG. 74 oriented in a landscape consistent withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 78 illustrates a support for a portable electronic deviceconsistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 79 illustrates the support illustrated in FIG. 78 consistent withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 80 illustrates the support illustrated in FIG. 78 configured in aportrait orientation consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 81 illustrates the support illustrated in FIG. 78 configured in alandscape orientation consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 82 illustrates a rotatable support for a portable electronic deviceconsistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 83 illustrates the rotatable support illustrated in FIG. 82configured in a landscape orientation consistent with embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 84 illustrates another view of the rotatable support illustrated inFIG. 82 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 85 illustrates a handheld holder for a portable electronic deviceconsistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 86 illustrates a rear perspective view of the handheld holderillustrated in FIG. 85 consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 87 illustrates a support for a portable electronic deviceconsistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 88 illustrates a rear perspective view of the support illustratedin FIG. 87 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 89 illustrates the support illustrated in FIG. 87 receiving aportable electronic device consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 90 illustrates a rotatable case for a portable electronic deviceoriented in a landscape configuration consistent with embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 91 illustrates the rotatable case illustrated in FIG. 90 configuredin a stowage mode consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 92 illustrates a rotatable case for a portable electronic deviceincluding an integrated keyboard oriented in a portrait configurationconsistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 93 illustrates the rotatable case illustrated in FIG. 92 orientedin a landscape configuration consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 94 illustrates the rotatable case illustrated in FIG. 92 configuredin a stowage mode consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 95 illustrates a rear perspective view of the rotatable caseillustrated in FIG. 92 consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 96 illustrates a rotatable case for a portable electronic deviceincluding an integrated keyboard oriented in a landscape configurationconsistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 97 illustrates a rear perspective view of the rotatable caseillustrated in FIG. 96 consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 98 illustrates the rotatable case illustrated in FIG. 96 orientedin a portrait configuration consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 99 illustrates the rotatable case illustrated in FIG. 96 configuredin a stowage mode consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 100 illustrates a support for a portable electronic deviceconsistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 101 illustrates a front perspective view the support illustrated inFIG. 100 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 102 illustrates the support illustrated in FIG. 100 configured in astowage mode consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 103 illustrates an interaction between a support panel of arotatable case for a portable electronic device and a securing panel viaa selectively detachable rotational mechanism consistent withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 104 illustrates an interaction of a selectively detachablerotational mechanism and a securing panel of a rotatable case for aportable electronic device consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 105 illustrates a rotatable case including a user interfaceconsistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The proliferation of portable electronic devices (PEDs), includingnotebook and tablet computers (e.g., the Apple® iPad™), portable digitalassistants (PDAs), and smartphones, has placed more computing power intothe hands of users than the computing power of early computers thatoccupied an entire room. This portable computing power has enhanced bothpersonal and business mobile productivity. Due to their portability,however, PEDs may be susceptible to damage. In addition, PEDs may allowfor viewing in a variety of orientations (e.g., portrait and/orlandscape), but may not be configured to be easily used in multipleorientations.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an accessory case for aPED configured to protect the PED from damage. In some embodiments, theaccessory case may be configured to enclose the PED and rotatablysupport the PED in at least two orientations. In various embodiments,the case may be configured to enclose and protect the PED in a closedposition and support the PED upright and/or elevated (i.e., propped up)in an open position.

Embodiments may be best understood by reference to the drawings. Incertain instances, like features may be designated with like referencenumerals. It will be readily understood that the components of thepresent disclosure, as generally described and illustrated in thedrawings herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety ofdifferent configurations. Thus, the following more detailed descriptionof the embodiments of the apparatus is not intended to limit the scopeof the disclosure, but is merely representative of possible embodimentsof the disclosure. In some cases, well-known structures, materials, oroperations are not shown or described in detail.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a case 100 for a PED 102 that can be used to assistin viewing the PED 102. The illustrated case 100 may be referred to as aholder, sleeve, mount, and the like and, as used herein, does notnecessarily imply an encasing or retaining functionality, although someembodiments of the case 100 may have such functionalities. The PED 102may be any portable electronic device including, for example, a notebookcomputer, an electronic book reader (e.g., the Amazon® Kindle™), asmartphone (e.g., the Apple® iPhone™, the Motorola® Droid®, and theBlackBerry® Storm™), and/or a tablet computer (e.g., the Apple® iPad™,the HP® Slate, and the Samsung® Galaxy™ Tablet).

The case 100 can be configured to receive a PED 102, and may furtherfunction to retain, carry, and protect the PED 102. The PED 102 caninclude on the front and/or the back face of the PED 102 a display 104that is viewable in either a portrait orientation or a landscapeorientation, a user input (not shown), and a data input/output port (notshown). In some embodiments, the case 100 may be configured such thatthe display 104, user input, and data input/output port are accessibleby a user of the PED 102 while the PED 102 is disposed in the case 100.Further, in some embodiments, the case 100 may include a protectivedisplay disposed over the display 104.

The case 100 can assist a user in viewing the PED 102 when the display104 is functioning in either the portrait or landscape orientation. Thiscan be particularly advantageous, as users of a PED 102 may desire toalternate between using the PED 102 in the portrait and landscapeorientations. Moreover, some users may prefer to use a PED 102exclusively in either the portrait mode or the landscape mode. Sinceeither group of users could use the case 100 effectively, the case 100can advantageously serve to reduce sellers' inventories.

The case 100 may include a base 106, a support member 108, and a holder110. The support member 108 and the holder 110 may be attached to eachother at a rotatable connector 112. In the illustrated embodiment, thebase 106 includes a platform 114 that can rest on a planar orsubstantially planar working surface, such as a floor or table top. Thebase 106 may define a series of channels 116 at a front end thereof. Thesupport member 108 may include a post 118 that is fixedly secured to theplatform 114. For example, the post 118 and the platform 114 may beintegrally molded from a single piece of material (e.g., plastic), orthey may be fixedly secured to each other in any other suitable manner.The illustrated post 118 thus may not be rotatable relative to theplatform 114.

The rotatable connector 112 or rotational mechanism may be located at anupper end of the post 118. The connector may include a ball-and-socketjoint 120, which permits rotation about three mutually perpendicularaxes. Stated otherwise, the ball-and-socket joint 120 may permit theholder 110 to rotate about an axis defined by the post 118 (as indicatedat the double-headed arrow 122), and also permit the holder 110 torotate about two mutually orthogonal axes that are each perpendicular tothe axis defined by the post 118 (as indicated at the double-headedarrows 122 and 124).

The holder 110 may be configured to grip or otherwise secure the PED102. In certain embodiments, the holder 110 may include a sleeve 128,which may also be referred to as a pocket or a pouch, that is configuredto retain therein the PED 102. For example, the sleeve 128 may comprisea resilient material that can selectively expand so as to receive thePED 102 through a front opening and resiliently close about an outeredge of the PED 102. The holder 110 and/or sleeve 128 may also beconfigured to substantially cover the entirety of a back face of the PED102. In some embodiments, the holder 110 and/or sleeve 128 may comprisea rubber or other elastomeric material (e.g., silicone) configured toprovide a secure friction fit around the perimeter of the PED 102 tosecure the holder 110 and/or sleeve 128 around the PED 102. The holder110 and/or sleeve 128 may also comprise rigid materials (e.g., plastic,metal, and the like) and include a rigid frame. In some embodiments, theholder 110 and/or sleeve 128 may comprise releasable clips, straps, orother locking features that allow for the PED 102 to be selectivelylocked into the holder 110 and selectively released from the holder 110.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate the case 100 in a portrait orientation which canassist a user in viewing a PED 102 when the display 104 is oriented in alandscape mode. The holder 110 can be rotated about one axis (shown bythe arrow 124) so as to adjust a pitch of the PED 102. A bottom edge ofthe holder 110 thus can be situated in any of the channels 116. As shownin FIG. 2, the channels 116 may be substantially linear, such thatrotation about another axis (shown by the arrow 126) may be restrictedwhen the bottom edge of the holder 110 is situated within a channel 116.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3-4, the holder 110 can be rotated in anotherdirection (shown by the arrow 122) so as to transition the case 100 froma portrait orientation to a landscape orientation. In the illustratedembodiment, the ball-and-socket joint 120 may be off-center relative toa width of the holder 110 and centered relative to a height of theholder 110 (“width” and “height” referring to the portrait orientation)such that a height of that portion of the holder 100 which is below theball-and-socket joint 120 is the same or substantially similar when theholder 110 is in either of the portrait and landscape orientations. As aresult, a bottom edge of the holder 110 can seat equally well in any ofthe channels 116 in either orientation. In such an arrangement, theholder 110 may be off-center relative to the base 106 when it is in theportrait orientation and centered relative to the base 106 in thelandscape orientation.

In other embodiments, the ball-and-socket joint 120 may be centeredrelative to both the width and height of the holder 110. As the supportmember 108 may be fixed relative to the base 106, this may result in adifferent interaction between the bottom edge of the holder 110 and thechannels 116 when the PED 102 is in the portrait and landscapeorientations. For example, some channels 116 may be accessible in oneorientation, but inaccessible in another. In some embodiments, theconnector 112 can include a slide 130 or other suitable feature inaddition to the ball-and-socket joint 120 so as to permit centering ofthe holder 110.

Other arrangements than those specifically described with respect to theembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 are contemplated. For example, insome embodiments, the base 106 may not include a platform 114 that issolid between its outer edges. In other or further embodiments, thesupport member 108 may be substantially wider than the post 118. Inother or further embodiments, the holder 110 may not secure the PED 102therein, but the PED 102 may rest on the holder 110. Moreover, forembodiments in which the PED 102 is secured to the holder 110, anysuitable connectors, straps, holders, or other devices may be used tosecure the PED 102 to the holder 110. In some embodiments, the holder110 may include a clear protective sheet (e.g., a sheet of plastic) thatcovers a display 104 of the PED 110. The holder 110 may include anopening at a side or top edge thereof through which the PED 102 may beintroduced into the holder 110. In still other or further embodiments,the rotatable connector 112 may not include a ball-and-socket joint 120,but instead may include another suitable connection system that permitsrotation about at least two mutually orthogonal axes. In someembodiments, the ball-and-socket joint 120 may be self-tensioning, andin further embodiments, the channels 116 are not used. In embodimentswhere the channels 116 are not used, the bottom edge of the holder 110may be secured to the base 106 using alternative suitable connectorsincluding, for example, straps, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, and thelike.

FIGS. 5-10 illustrate another case 200 for a PED 102 that can be used toassist in viewing a PED 102. In certain embodiments, case 200 mayinclude similar features to case 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4.Accordingly, like features may be designated in certain instances, butnot all, with like reference numerals. Relevant disclosure set forthabove regarding similarly identified features also may not be repeatedhereafter. Moreover, specific features of the case 100 illustrated inFIGS. 1-4 may not be shown or identified by reference numerals in thedrawings or specifically discussed in the written description thatfollows. However, such features may clearly be the same, orsubstantially the same, as features depicted in other embodiments and/ordescribed with respect to such embodiments. Accordingly, the relevantdescriptions of such features apply equally to the features of the case200. Any suitable combination of the features and variations of the samedescribed with respect to the case 100 can be employed with the case200, and vice versa. This pattern of disclosure applies equally tofurther embodiments depicted in subsequent figures and describedhereafter.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the case 200 may include a base 202 thatcomprises a display cover 204 that in certain configurations, mayfunction as a platform. The case 200 may further include a post 206 thatis attached to the display cover 204 at a hinge 208. The hinge 208 canprovide the base 202 with one or more a additional degrees of freedom inadjusting a viewing position of a holder 210, as indicated by the doublearrow 212. This may also facilitate centering of the holder 210 ineither a portrait or landscape orientation, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG.8.

In certain embodiments, the case 200 can transition between various openorientations, as shown in FIGS. 5-7 (i.e., open, portrait) and FIG. 8(i.e., open, landscape), and a closed orientation, as shown in FIGS.9-10. In the illustrated embodiment, the case 200 is in the landscapeorientation when it is closed. When the case 200 is closed, the holder210 can encase a periphery and back face of the PED 102, and the displaycover 204 can cover a front face of the PED 102, which include a display104. The post 206 may be bent to facilitate alignment of the holder 210and the display cover 204.

FIGS. 11-12 illustrate another case 300 for a PED 102 that can be usedto assist in viewing the PED 102. In certain embodiments, the case 300can include a platform 302 that defines an opening 304. In someembodiments, the opening 304 may be sufficiently large to receive alower edge of a holder 306 therein in either a landscape or portraitorientation. The holder 306 can include a support wall 308 and one ormore connectors 310, such as resilient straps, that may be configured tohold the PED 102 against the support wall 308.

FIGS. 13-14 illustrate another case 400 for a PED 102 that can be usedto assist in viewing the PED 102. In certain embodiments, the case 400can include a platform 402 that defines two support legs 404 and aholder 408. The holder 408 can include a support wall 410 and two ormore rests 412, 414 that extend from the support wall 410. The PED 102can rest against the support wall 410 and rest 412 when the holder 408is configured for portrait orientation viewing, and can rest against thesupport wall 410 and rest 414 when the holder 408 is configured forlandscape orientation viewing. In some embodiments, the PED 102 may notbe physically secured to the holder 408.

FIGS. 15-16 illustrate a case 500 configured to store items in additionto a PED 102. The case 500 may include a holder 502 such as the holdersdescribed above. The holder 502 can comprise a back cover 504 and one ormore connectors 506, which can resemble the connectors described above.Other methods and devices for securing the PED 102 to the back cover 504are also possible, including those discussed herein with respect toother embodiments. The back cover 504 can cover at least a portion of arear face of the PED 102.

In some embodiments, the back cover 504 may include a storage region506, which can be configured to store one or more accessories. Forexample, the storage region 506 can include one or more storagecompartments 508, which can receive one or more accessories therein. Theaccessories may be associated with the PED 102, such as earphones (e.g.,earbuds) 510, a cleaning cloth 512, cleaning solution 520, cords (e.g.,power cords), styluses, or the like. More or fewer compartments 508 thanthose shown in FIG. 15 may be used, and the compartments 508 may be oflarger or smaller dimensions. Further, one or more accessories may besecured to the back cover 504 using other mechanical connectionmechanisms including, for example, elastic straps.

As illustrated in FIGS. 15-16, the compartments 508 can be box-shaped,and may function as bins. The compartments 508 may have hinged orremovable covers for ready access to the contents thereof. Theillustrated compartments 508 can define a depth that is about the sameor slightly greater than a thickness of the PED 102. Accordingly, in theillustrated embodiment, a front cover 514 can be oriented substantiallyparallel to the back cover 504 when the case 500 is closed. In otherembodiments, one or more of the compartments 508 may be shaped assleeves or pouches. The sleeves may be sealable, such as via snaps,buttons, hook and pile fastener, or the like. In still otherembodiments, one or more of the compartments 508 may be shaped as loopsor elongated sleeves, which may be particularly suitable for receivingwriting implements (e.g., pens, pencils, styluses) therein.

The front cover 514 may be connected to the back cover 504 in anysuitable manner, such as via one or more hinges 516, 518. In theillustrated embodiment, two hinges 516, 518 are present. A first hinge518 may be positioned adjacent to a base of the storage region 506, anda second hinge 516 may be spaced from the first hinge 518 such that whenthe case 500 is closed, the second hinge 516 is positioned adjacent toan upper face of the storage region 506. Such an arrangement can aid inaligning the front and back covers 514, 504 in a parallel configuration.In other embodiments, a single hinge can instead be used, which may bepositioned at the upper face of the storage region 506.

Other arrangements than those specifically described with respect to theembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 15-16 are contemplated. For example, insome embodiments, the storage region 506 is positioned on the frontcover 514, or portions thereof are positioned on each of the front andback covers 514, 504. In some embodiments, the storage region 506 may bepositioned at an outer side edge of one or more of the covers 504, 514,and in still other or further embodiments, the storage region 506 may bepositioned along a top and/or bottom edge of one or more of the covers504, 514.

FIG. 17 illustrates a rotatable case 600 for a PED 102 configured in anopen position. In certain embodiments, the rotatable case 600 mayinclude similar features to the case 500 illustrated in FIGS. 15-16and/or any combination of the various features and embodiments describedin any of the cases and/or holders described herein.

In certain embodiments, the rotatable case 600 may include a rotationalmechanism 602 coupling the PED 102 to the holder 502, the back cover504, and/or via another PED securement mechanism allowing for variablerotation of the PED 102 relative to the rotatable case 600. For example,as illustrated in FIG. 17, the rotational mechanism 602 may include arotational grommet coupling the PED 102 to the holder 502, the backcover 504, and/or via another PED securement mechanism allowing forvariable rotation of the PED 102 relative to the rotatable case 600. Inother embodiments, the rotational mechanism 602 may include a ratchetingswivel or pivot, a ball and socket mechanism, a temporary adhesive, areleasable latch, a clip, one or more buttons, a suction cup, and/or oneor more straps allowing for rotational securement. In certainembodiments, the rotational mechanism 602 may snap into certain specificrotational orientations (e.g., portrait orientation and/or landscapeorientation) and require rotational force to move to a differentspecific orientation. In alternative embodiments, the rotation mechanism602 may not snap into specific orientations but may allow for rotationalarticulation in any number of orientations.

FIGS. 18-21 illustrate another case 700 for a PED 102 that can be usedto assist in viewing a PED 102. In certain embodiments, case 700 mayinclude similar features to case 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, case 200illustrated in FIGS. 5-10, and/or any combination of the variousfeatures and embodiments described in any of the cases and/or holdersdescribed herein.

As illustrated in FIG. 18, the case 700 may include a base 702 thatcomprises a display cover 704 that in certain configurations, mayfunction as a platform. The case 700 may further include a post 706 thatis attached to the display cover 704 at a hinge 708. The hinge 708 canprovide the base 702 with one or more additional degrees of freedom inadjusting a viewing position of a holder 710. This may also facilitatecentering of the holder 710 in either a portrait or landscapeorientation, as shown respectively in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21.

In certain embodiments, the case 700 may include a rotational grommet712 coupling the PED 102 and/or the holder 710 to the post 706 allowingfor variable rotation of the PED 102 and/or the holder 710 relative tothe post 706 in one or more directions. In certain embodiments, therotational grommet 712 may snap into certain specific rotationalorientations (e.g., portrait orientation and/or landscape orientation)and require rotational force to move to a different specificorientation. In alternative embodiments, the rotational grommet 712 maynot snap into specific orientations but may allow for rotationalarticulation in any number of orientations.

FIG. 22 illustrates a rotatable case 800 in a landscape orientation. Asillustrated, the rotatable case 800 includes a securing panel 802configured to secure a PED (not shown). According to variousembodiments, the rotatable case 800 may include various access ports(such as 804 and 806) to facilitate interfacing a PED disposed withinthe case 800 with connector plugs, cables, headphones, speakers, and/orpower adaptors. In certain embodiments, the rotatable case 800 mayinclude built-in cords to route power, connectivity, and/or headphonecables from a PED to an external device. Moreover, according to variousembodiments, a battery may be built into a panel or pocket of rotatablecase 800.

In certain embodiments, the rotatable case 800 may have the ability torotate securing panel 802 with respect to a supporting panel 808 and abase panel 810. Any of a wide variety of rotatable securing devices maybe employed to rotatably secure securing panel 802 to supporting panel808. For example, bushings, flanged bushings, grommets, rivets, eyelets,plain bearings, bearings, and/or any combination thereof may be employedto rotatably secure securing panel 802 to supporting panel 808. Forexample, as illustrated, a grommet 812 may be configured to rotatablysecure the securing panel 802 to the supporting panel 808. In someembodiments, the grommet 812 may comprise a ring that may allow a logoto show through the hole in the middle of grommet 812. In certainembodiments, one or more interchangeable accessories and/or inserts may“snap” into the hole in the middle of grommet 812 including, forexample, a logo insert, a proximity alarm or other loss preventionaccessory, and the like. Alternatively, the hold in the middle ofgrommet 812 may define an opening and/or aperture that may allow viewingof the interior of the rotatable case 800 and/or a portion of a PED (notshown) disposed therein (e.g., a portion of the PED including a logo)

The base panel 810 may be configured with channels or groves 814 tosecure the bottom edge of securing panel 802 when the securing panel 802is in an upright and/or elevated position. According to variousalternative embodiments, in place of channels 814 a frictional surface(e.g., rubberized surface or the like) or frictional contact patches maybe utilized to secure the bottom edge of the securing panel 802 in anupright and/or elevated position.

The supporting panel 808 may be configured to provide a counterforce tothe securing panel 802 in order to support securing panel 802 in anupright and/or elevated position. As illustrated, the supporting panel808 and the base panel 810 may comprise a single panel folded or bent at816. According to various embodiments, the relative proportions of thebase panel 810 and the supporting panel 808 may be adapted for aparticular application. Further, in certain embodiments, the rotatablecase 800 may be configured to support a PED at one or more anglesrelative to the base panel 810 and in a plurality of orientations,including portrait and landscape.

FIG. 23 illustrates a rotatable case 800 for a PED 102 rotated into aportrait orientation. Similar to the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 1,the base panel 810 may include one or more channels 814 configured tosecure the bottom edge of a PED 102 and/or the bottom edge of a securingpanel 802. The rotatable case may further include a supporting panel 808configured to fold at 816 with respect to the base panel 810.

A comparison of FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 illustrates the ability to rotatethe securing panel 802 with respect to supporting panel 808 consistentwith embodiments disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, thegrommet 812 may allow a PED 102 to be rotated from a landscapeorientation, as illustrated in FIG. 22, to the portrait orientationillustrated in FIG. 23.

In certain embodiments, the securing panel 802, base panel 810, and/orsupporting panel 808 may provide protection to an enclosed PED 102. Forexample, the securing panel 802, base panel 810, and/or supporting panel808 may be configured to protect the PED 102 from scratches, from damageas a result of a fall, from extreme temperatures, and/or otherconditions that may result in damage to the PED 102. Accordingly, anyportion of the rotating case 800 may be reinforced with padding, metal,plastic, cardboard, rubber, and/or other material or combinationthereof.

In certain embodiments, the reinforcing material may utilize variousfolds, bends, and/or curvatures to obtain desirable resistance and/orresilience characteristics. For example, fold 816 may be configured tofunction as a bi-stable, tri-stable, or N-stable fold, allowing a userto selectively fold the support panel 808 with respect to the base panel810 into one or more predetermined angles. In some embodiments, byproviding an N-stable fold 816, the support panel 808 may effectively“snap” into one or more predetermined positions in order to support thePED 102 at predetermined angles with respect to the base panel 810.

FIG. 24 illustrates a rotatable case 800 in a closed position securing aPED 102 therein. As illustrated, the securing panel 802 may include oneor more access ports 804. A grommet 812 may serve to rotatably securethe support panel 808 to securing panel 802. In certain embodiments, thegrommet 812 may include a see-through center circle making a portion ofthe PED 102 visible even when rotatable case 802 is in a closedposition. In some embodiments, a transparent material may cover thecenter of the circle made by grommet 812. According to otherembodiments, the center circle of grommet 812 may be filled with anytype of material, including the same type of material used for thesupport panel 808 and/or the securing panel 802.

The support panel 808 may comprise a lower portion 818 and a pivot flap820. The pivot flap 820 may be configured to fold or pivot with respectto the lower portion 818 of the support panel 808. As illustrated, thegrommet 812 may be secured to the pivot flap 820, allowing the grommet812 and the securing panel 802 to pivot with respect to the lowerportion 818 of the supporting panel 808.

Any of a variety of fasteners (not shown) may be employed to selectivelymaintain the rotatable case 800 in the closed position. For example, afastener may be configured to selectively maintain the securing panel802 parallel to base panel 810. The fastener may comprise any of avariety of fasteners commonly employed in cases, bags, and luggage.Examples of possible closure mechanisms include, but are not limited to,straps, buttons, flaps, snaps, Velcro, hooks, clasps, clips, andcombinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the ends of an elasticstrap may be secured to the base panel 810 and the strap may beselectively wrapped around the securing panel 802. Accordingly, thesecuring panel 802 may be elastically maintained in a closed position.Additionally, though not illustrated, the rotatable case 800 may includeany of a wide variety of straps, handles, harnesses, and/or the likeconfigured to enable a user to easily transport the rotatable case 800.

FIG. 25 illustrates a rotatable case 800 securing a PED 102 in alandscape orientation and a first opened position. As illustrated, thesupport panel 808 may be folded at 816 with respect to the base panel810. The grommet 812 may be configured to rotatably secure the securingpanel 802 with respect to the support panel 808. In certain embodiments,the grommet 812 may rotatably secure a pivot flap 820 of the supportpanel 808 to the securing panel 802, thereby allowing the securing panel802 to be pivoted with respect to a lower portion 818 of the supportpanel 808. In some embodiments, the grommet 812 may allow a portion ofthe PED 102 to be seen through the center ring. For example, a logoincluded on the PED 102 may be visible.

As previously described, the base panel 810 may include one or morechannels 814 configured to prevent a bottom edge of the securing panel802 from slipping when in an upright and/or elevated supported position.Alternative features may be utilized in place of the one or morechannels 814 including, for example, frictional contact patches,catches, magnets, protrusions, and/or other features configured toprevent a bottom edge of the securing panel 802 from slipping. Incertain embodiments, the securing panel 802 may include one or moreaccess ports, such as a headphone access port 804.

FIG. 26 illustrates a rotatable case 800 supporting a PED (not shown) atan angle in a landscape orientation and in a second opened position.Particularly, FIG. 26 illustrates the functionality of the pivot flap820 (not visible) included in rotatable case 800. As previouslydescribed, by folding a pivot flap 820 with respect to lower portion 818of the support panel 808, the securing panel 802 may be pivoted withrespect to the supporting panel 808. In the illustrated position, thesupport panel 808 supports the securing panel 802 at an angle withrespect to the base panel 810. A first channel of channels 814 preventsa bottom edge of the securing panel 802 from slipping along the basepanel 810. In certain embodiments, additional folding of the pivot flap820 and/or the support panel 808 at 816 may allow the PED 102 to besupported at various angles of inclination by placing the bottom edge ofthe securing panel 802 in a different channel of channels 814. Incertain embodiments, the securing panel 802 may include one or moreaccess ports, such as a headphone access port 804.

FIG. 27 illustrates a PED 102 secured by a rotatable case 800 includinga pivot flap 820 (not visible) configured to allow the PED 102 to bepivoted to a desired angle of inclination. The pivot flap 820 (notvisible) may allow the PED 102 to be secured within the securing panel802 to pivot with respect to the support panel 808. As illustrated, thePED 102 may be pivoted into a desired angle of inclination. In certainembodiments, the PED 102 may be pivoted from the closed positionillustrated in FIG. 24, in which the PED 102 is parallel to base panel810, to any angle of inclination between with respect to the base panel810. Accordingly, the PED 102 may be pivoted until the securing panel802 is again parallel with the base panel 810 and with the display 104of the PED 102 facing up.

In certain embodiments, the PED 102 secured by the securing panel 802may be pivoted to a desired angle of inclination. The support panel 808may provide sufficient support to maintain the PED 102 at the desiredangle of inclination. One or more channels 814 may prevent a bottom edgeof the securing panel 810 from slipping along the base panel 810.

FIG. 28 illustrates a PED 102 secured by a rotatable case 800 includinga grommet 812 (not visible) configured to allow the PED 102 to berotated from a portrait orientation to a landscape orientation and viceversa. As illustrated, a rotatable grommet 812 (not visible) may beconfigured to allow a PED 102 disposed in a securing panel 802 to berotated from a portrait orientation to a landscape orientation and viceversa. In certain embodiments, the PED 102 may be configured to rotatefrom a first landscape position, as illustrated in FIG. 22 to a secondportrait position, as illustrated in FIG. 23. In certain embodiments,the PED 102 may be rotated 360 degrees into any desired orientation.

In some embodiments, the PED 102 may be configured to rotate only intospecific orientations. For example, at 0 degrees the PED 102 may be in afirst landscape orientation; the PED 102 may be rotated 90 degrees to afirst portrait orientation, rotated an additional 90 degrees to a secondlandscape orientation, and rotated a final 90 degrees to a secondportrait position. In the second portrait position it may reach a stopand may be rotated in the opposite direction to return the PED 102 toprior orientations. In certain embodiments, the rotational mechanism(e.g., grommet 812) of the case 800 may snap into certain specificorientations and require rotational force to move to a differentspecific orientation.

FIG. 29 illustrates a rear view of a rotatable case 800 securing a PED102 in a portrait orientation. As illustrated, a pivot flap 820 may befolded with respect to a lower portion 818 of the support panel 808.Accordingly, a PED 102 secured by the securing panel 802 may besupported at one or more specific angles with respect to the supportpanel 808 and the base panel 810 (not visible). A grommet 812 or otherrotational mechanism may rotatably secure the securing panel 802 to thepivot flap 820. As previously described, the grommet 812 may allow thePED 102 and the securing panel 802 to be rotated with respect to thesupport panel 808, including, for example, in a portrait and/orlandscape orientation.

FIG. 30 illustrates an interaction between a support panel 808 of arotatable case 800 and a securing panel 802 via a grommet 812. Incertain embodiments, the grommet 812 may comprise a rear portion 812 anda front portion 822. The rotatable case 800 may include a base panel 810with one or more channels 814, a supporting panel 808 comprising a lowerportion 818, and a pivot flap 820, and a rear portion 812 of thegrommet. A securing panel 802, including one or more access ports 804,may be mounted to a front portion 822 of the grommet. According tovarious embodiments, the front portion 822 of the grommet may be matedwith the rear portion 812 of the grommet in order to rotatably securethe securing panel 802 to the pivot flap 820. In this manner, thesecuring panel 802 may be free to rotate 360 degrees relative to thesupport panel 808.

In certain embodiments, the front portion 822 of the grommet and therear portion 812 of the grommet may be joined together duringmanufacturing or assembly and are not configured to be selectivelyseparated by a user. Alternatively, a user may selectively separate thefront portion 822 of the grommet from the rear portion 812 in order toremove the securing panel 802 from the pivot flap 820. In otherembodiments, the front portion 822 and the rear portion 812 of thegrommet are inseparable and the grommet may be selectively detachablefrom the pivot flap 820 and/or the securing panel 102.

FIG. 31 illustrates a securing panel 802 of a rotatable case 800 and afront portion of a grommet 822. The securing panel 802 may includesidewalls to protect and/or secure the edges of a PED 102 (not shown).According to various embodiments, a PED 102 may effectively snap intoplace within the securing panel 802. Alternatively, a PED 102 may besecured within the securing panel 802 utilizing one or more straps,buckles, clips, adhesives, and/or similar features. The securing panel802 may further utilize neoprene or rubber to selectively secure the PED102. Additionally, the sidewalls, or a portion thereof, of the securingpanel 802 may wrap around the front of a secured PED 102. In certainembodiments, the securing panel 802 may comprise a holder similar to theholders described herein.

The securing panel 802 may further include one or more access ports 804,806, 824. For example, a headphone access port 804, a volume rockeraccess port 806, and/or a power or connection access port 824 may beavailable. As previously described, a grommet portion 822 may beconfigured to rotatably secure the securing panel 802 to a pivot flap820 of a support panel 808. The securing panel 802 may comprise variousmaterials such as plastic, rubber, metal, leather, faux leather, vinyl,nylon, and/or any of a wide variety of alternative decorative or usefulmaterials utilized in cases, bags, luggage, and the like.

FIG. 32 illustrates a support panel 808 of a rotatable case 800including a pivot flap 820 and a grommet 812. As illustrated, the pivotflap 820 may include a grommet 812 and be configured to fold withrespect to a lower portion 818 of the support panel 808. Accordingly,the pivot flap 820 and grommet 812 may pivot with respect to the lowerportion 818 of the support panel 808 to a desired angle of inclination.According to various embodiments, the pivot flap 820 may be configuredto resiliently return to its original, unfolded, position when thepivoting force is removed. Alternatively, the pivot flap 820 may beconfigured to pivot with respect to a lower portion 818 of the supportpanel 808 and thereafter maintain the pivoted position until forced to anew angle of inclination.

The pivot flap 820 may be connected to a lower portion 818 of thesupport panel 808 utilizing any of a variety of known pivotableconnectors. In some embodiments, the support panel 808, including boththe lower portion 818 and the pivot flap 820 may be manufactured using amaterial or fabric, such as leather, faux leather, and/or vinyl. In suchembodiments, the pivotable connection between the pivot flap 820 and thelower portion 818 of the support panel 808 may be a sewn section of asimilar or identical material.

FIG. 33 illustrates a rotatable case 800 integrated into a larger case826. As illustrated, the rotatable case 800 may be integrated as anadditional side pocket on a larger case 826. According to variousembodiments, the rotatable case 800 may alternatively be integratedwithin an internal compartment of larger case 826. Additionally, incertain embodiments, a base panel 810 may be a shared panel or wall ofthe larger case 826; and thus only include the remaining portions of therotatable case 800. That is, a wall of larger case 826 may share acommon wall with the base panel 810 of rotatable case 800.

In certain embodiments, the rotatable case 800 may include anycombination of the various features and embodiments described in any ofthe cases described herein. Moreover, the larger case 826 may beconfigured with a handle 830 and a zipper 828. The larger case 826 maybe any of a wide variety of cases, including a brief case, luggage, alaptop case, a case for a PED 102, and the like.

FIG. 34 illustrates a multi-pivot stand 900 for a PED (not shown)including a base 902, a vertical support 904, and a case 906 configuredin a landscape orientation. In certain embodiments, the base 902 may beconstructed of any shape and/or size suitable to adequately support aPED secured within the case 906. In some embodiments, the base 902 maybe weighted, include adjustable feet, have a no-slip bottom and/or topsurface, and/or include a logo disposed thereon.

A vertical support 904 may be coupled to the base 902 via a lowerconnection member 908. In certain embodiments, the lower connectionmember 908 may comprise a swivel joint configured to allow the verticalsupport 904 to be rotated and pivoted in a variety of angles anddirections with respect to the base 902. In some embodiments, the lowerconnection member 908 may comprise a swivel joint configured to allowthe vertical support 904 to be rotated but not pivoted, pivoted but notrotated, or rotated and pivoted. The lower connection member may furthercomprise any variety of known rotatable and/or pivotable connections,including ball joints, ball and socket connections, bearings, pivotrods, slip rings, swivel joints, swing joints, and the like.

In certain embodiments, the lower connection member 908 may comprise afixed connection member securing a vertical support 904 relative to thebase 902. The vertical support 904 and the base 902 may also bemanufactured as a single piece, thereby limiting relative movementbetween the vertical support 904 and the base 902.

The case 906 may be configured to securing a PED (not shown). In certainembodiments, the case 906 may comprise components and designs similar tothe other cases and holders disclosed herein. The design of the case906, including its dimensions and positions of any access ports 910-914may be adapted for a specific PED. In some embodiments, a PED may beconfigured to snap into the case 906 or be secured therein using one ormore corner securement members (e.g., resilient straps). In certainembodiments, the case 906 may include flexible sidewalls configured tosecure a PED. In some embodiments, the flexible sidewalls may beconfigured to secure a PED by wrapping around the sides and/or a portionof the front of a PED.

As is described in more detail below, the case 906 may be coupled to thevertical support 904 via an upper connection member (not visible)configured to allow the case 906 to be rotated and/or pivoted withrespect to the vertical support 904. In certain embodiments, the stand900 may include a lever 916 configured to selectively lock and releasethe lower connection member 908 and or the upper connection member. Thestand 900 may further include a plurality of levers configured, forexample, to control one or more of the connection members separately.

FIG. 35 illustrates a multi-pivot stand 900 for a PED (not shown)including a data dock 918. In certain embodiments, the data dock 918 maybe configured to provide power and/or a data connection to a PED securedby a case 906. In various embodiments, the data dock 918 may becommunicatively coupled to an external connector 920 such as, forexample, a USB connector and/or power connector, via a cable 922. Insome embodiments, the type, shape, size and number of data dockets 918may be adapted for a specific PED. In certain embodiments, the data dock918 and the external connector 920 may be interchangeable with eachother and/or other various alternative connectors.

FIG. 36 illustrates a multi-pivot stand 900 securing a PED 102 in alandscape orientation. As illustrated, the case portion 906 of the stand900 may be configured to secure the PED 102 therein. In someembodiments, the PED 102 may be configured to snap into the case 906using one or more corner securement members (e.g., resilient straps). Incertain embodiments, the case 906 may include flexible sidewallsconfigured to secure the PED 906. In some embodiments, the flexiblesidewalls may be configured to secure the PED 906 by wrapping around thesides and/or a portion of the front of a PED 906 while still allowing auser to view the display 104.

FIG. 37 illustrates a rear elevation view of a multi-pivot stand 900. Asillustrated, the stand 900 may include a case 906 coupled to a verticalsupport 904 via an upper connection member 926. Additionally, thevertical support 904 may be coupled to a base 902 via a lower connectionmember 908 such that the vertical support 904 may be rotated and/orpivoted in one or more directions with respect to the base 902. Incertain embodiments, the upper connection member 926 may be aball-and-socket type connection allowing the case 906 to be rotated andpivoted in one or more directions with respect to the vertical support904. In certain embodiments, the upper connection member 926 may begenerally described as a rotational mechanism. In various embodiments,the case may include one or more access ports 914 (e.g., power and/ordata access ports).

A release lever 916 may be configured to selectively lock and releasethe upper connection member 926 and/or the lower connection member 908.For example, when locked, the release lever 916 may be configured toselectively prevent the case 906 from pivoting and/or rotating in one ormore directions relative to the vertical support 904, the case 906,and/or the base 902. In certain embodiments, the release lever 916 maybe specifically configured to selectively lock and/or release thevertical and horizontal pivoting of the case 906 relative to thevertical support 904. In some embodiments, the case 906 may beconfigured to rotate from a portrait to a landscape orientationregardless of the state of the release lever 916.

The case 906 may be secured to the upper connection member 926 via amount 924. In certain embodiments, the case 906 and/or upper connectionmember 926 may be selectively detached and/or attached from the mount924.

FIG. 38 illustrates a side elevation view of a multi-pivot stand 900.The multi-pivot stand may include a vertical support 904 rotatablycoupled to a base 902 via a lower connection member 908. In certainembodiments, the lower connection member 908 may allow the verticalsupport 904 to be rotated and/or pivoted in one or more directionsrelative to the base 902.

A case 906 configured to secure a PED (not shown) may be coupled to anupper connection member 926 via a mount 924. Alternatively, the case 906may be directly coupled to the upper connection member 926. In certainembodiments, the upper connection member 926 may be configured torotatably couple the case 906 to the vertical support 904 such that thecase 906 may be pivoted and/or rotated in one or more directionsrelative to the vertical support 904. A release lever 916 may beconfigured to selectively lock and release the movement of the upperconnection member 926.

FIG. 39 illustrates a multi-pivot stand 900 including a case 906 coupledto a vertical support 904. In certain embodiments, the case 906 may becoupled to the vertical support 904 via an upper connection member 916(shown in dashed lines). In some embodiments, the upper connectionmember 916 may be coupled to the case 906 via a mount 924 (shown indashed lines).

The case 906 may be configured to pivot and/or rotate in one or moredirections relative to the vertical support 904. The vertical support904 may be coupled to the base 902 via a lower connection member 908 andmay be configured to pivot and/or rotate in one or more directionsrelative to the base 902. A release lever 916 may be configured toselectively lock and release the upper connection member 926 and/or thelower connection member 908.

In certain embodiments, the upper connection member 926 and/or the lowerconnection member 908 may be configured to frictionally maintain theirpositions when the PED (not shown) is secured within the case 906. Forexample, in certain embodiments, even with the release lever 916 set toa position where the upper connection member 926 and the lowerconnection member 908 are free to rotate and/or pivot in one or moredirections, friction may enable both connection members 926, 908 tomaintain their positions until acted on by an external force (e.g., froma user repositioning the stand 900).

FIG. 40 illustrates a release lever 916 configured to selectivelyrelease an upper connection member (not visible) of a multi-pivot stand900 in order to rotate a case 906 from a landscape orientation to aportrait orientation. As illustrated, the release lever 916 may beactuated by, for example, pulling it towards the case 906.Alternatively, the release lever 916 may be actuated by movement inanother direction, by rotation in a particular direction, by pulling thelever 916 outward, and/or by pushing the lever 916 inward. In certainother embodiments, the release lever 916 may be a release button orother mechanical device configured to selectively actuate theconfiguration of the upper connection member 926 and/or the lowerconnection member 908.

FIG. 41 illustrates another view of the release lever 916 illustrated inFIG. 40. As illustrated, when the release lever 916 is actuated, thecase 906 may be freely rotated from a portrait orientation to alandscape orientation. In certain embodiments, the release lever 916 isactuated, the case 906 may be rotated in one or more directions to aplurality of orientations. Alternatively, the case 906 may be configuredto lock (e.g., via a snapping mechanism or the like) into one or morelocations and/or orientations corresponding to one or more pre-setorientations.

FIG. 42 illustrates another multi-pivot stand 900 including a case 906configured to secure a PED (not shown) capable of rotating from alandscape orientation to a portrait orientation. In certain embodiments,a release lever (not shown) may need to be actuated prior to rotatingthe case 906 between orientations. Alternatively, the case 906 may befree to rotate independent of the release lever. In certain embodiments,the release lever may be configured to selectively prevent the case 906from vertically and horizontally pivoting but not prevent it fromrotating. In some embodiments, the case 906 may be figured to lock(e.g., snap) into one or more desired orientations (e.g., every 90degrees and/or in portrait/landscape orientations). A vertical support904 coupled to the case 906 may further be rotated and/or pivotedrelative to a base 902.

FIGS. 43-44 illustrate a multi-pivot stand 900 including a case 906configured to vertically pivot about an upper connection member (notshown). A base 902 may be coupled to a vertical support 904 that, incertain embodiments, may be rotatable and/or pivotable in one or moredirections relative to the base 902. The vertical support 904 may berotatably and/or pivotally coupled to the case 906 via an upperconnection member (not visible). A release lever 916 may be configuredto selectively lock and release the upper connection member and controlthe rotation and/or pivoting of the case 906 relative to the verticalsupport 904 and/or the vertical support 904 relative to the base 902.

FIGS. 45-46 illustrate a multi-pivot stand 900 including a case 906configured to horizontally pivot about an upper connection member (notshown). A base 902 may be coupled to a vertical support 904 that, incertain embodiments, may be rotatable and/or pivotable in one or moredirections relative to the base 902. The vertical support 904 may berotatably and/or pivotally coupled to the case 906 via an upperconnection member (not visible). The vertical support 904 may be furtherrotatably and/or pivotally coupled to the base 902 via a lowerconnection member 908. A release lever 916 may be configured toselectively lock and release the upper connection member and/or thelower connection member 908 and control the rotation and/or pivoting ofthe case 906 relative to the vertical support 904 and/or the verticalsupport 904 relative to the base 902. Using the upper connection memberand/or lower connection member 908, the case 906 may be horizontallyrotated and/or pivoted with respect to the base 902 as illustrated. Incertain embodiments, rotating and/or pivoting the case 906 may requirethat a release lever 916 be actuated.

FIG. 47 illustrates a component view of a multi-pivot stand including abase 902, a lower connection member 908, a vertical support 904, anupper connection member 926, and a case 906 configured to secure a PED.The stand may further include a release lever 916 and a mount 924coupled to the case 906.

The vertical support 904 may be rotatably and/or pivotally coupled tothe base 902. In certain embodiments, a lower connection member 908 maycomprise a ball joint that is rigidly or rotatably coupled to thevertical support 904. The lower connection member 908 may include alower coupling pin 932 disposed thereon configured to be received by alower coupling pin receptor 934 disposed in the base 902. In certainembodiments, the lower coupling pin 932 may be securely received by thelower coupling pin receptor 934 using a compression and/or friction fit.In other embodiments, the lower coupling pin 932 may be securelyreceived by the lower coupling pin receptor 934 using a threadedmechanism incorporated into the lower coupling pin 932 and/or the lowercoupling pin receptor 934. In further embodiments, the lower couplingpin 932 may be securely received by the lower coupling pin receptor 934using a mechanical latching mechanism incorporated into the lowercoupling pin 932 and/or the lower coupling pin receptor 934.

The vertical support 904 may be rotatably and/or pivotally coupled tothe case 906. In certain embodiments, an upper connection member 926 maycomprise a ball joint that is rigidly or rotatably coupled to the case906 via, in certain embodiments, a mount 924. In some embodiments, thecase 906 and/or upper connection member 926 may be selectively detachedand/or attached from the mount 924.

The upper connection member 926 may include an upper coupling pin 928disposed thereon configured to be received by an upper coupling pinreceptor 930 disposed in the vertical support 904. In certainembodiments, the upper coupling pin 928 may be securely received by theupper coupling pin receptor 930 using a compression and/or friction fit.In other embodiments, the upper coupling pin 928 may be securelyreceived by the upper coupling pin receptor 930 using a threadedmechanism incorporated into the upper coupling pin 928 and/or the uppercoupling pin receptor 930. In further embodiments, the upper couplingpin 928 may be securely received by the upper coupling pin receptor 930using a mechanical latching mechanism incorporated into the uppercoupling pin 928 and/or the upper coupling pin receptor 930. In certainembodiments, a release lever 916 may be configured to selectivelypivotally and/or rotationally lock and release the upper connectionmember 926 and/or the lower connection member 908.

FIG. 48 illustrates a base 902 and a vertical support 904 configured tobe pivotably coupled via a lower connection member 1002, 1004. Asillustrated, the lower connection member may comprise a base ball 1004rigidly coupled to the base 902. A vertical support ball receptor 1002coupled to the vertical support 904 may be configured to mechanicallyand/or frictionally grasp the base ball 1004. In certain embodiments,the vertical support 904 may be rotated and/or pivoted relative to thebase 902 via the lower connection member 1002, 1004 independent of aselective release and locking mechanism such as, for example, a releaselever. Alternatively, the vertical support 904 may be rotated and/orpivoted relative to the base 902 via the lower connection member 1002,1004 at varying degrees of resistance based on the actuation of aselective release and locking mechanism.

FIG. 49 illustrates a base 902 and a vertical support 904 configured tobe pivotably coupled via another lower connection member 1006, 1008. Asillustrated, the lower connection member may comprise a vertical supportball 1006 rigidly coupled to the vertical support 904. A base ballreceptor 1008 coupled to the base 902 may be configured to mechanicallyand/or frictionally grasp the vertical support ball 1006. In certainembodiments, the vertical support 904 may be rotated and/or pivotedrelative to the base 902 via the lower connection member 1006, 1008independent of a selective release and locking mechanism such as, forexample, a release lever. Alternatively, the vertical support 904 may berotated and/or pivoted relative to the base 902 via the lower connectionmember 1006, 1008 at varying degrees of resistance based on theactuation of a selective release and locking mechanism.

FIG. 50 illustrates an exemplary base 1010 and vertical support 904configured to be pivotably coupled via a lower connection member 932,934. As illustrated, the base 1010 may include one or more leg membersthat may extend onto a surface the base 1010 rests upon. The verticalsupport 904 may be rotatably and/or pivotally coupled to the base 1010.In certain embodiments, a lower connection member 908 may comprise aball joint that is rigidly or rotatably coupled to the vertical support904. The lower connection member 908 may include a lower coupling pin932 disposed thereon configured to be received by a lower coupling pinreceptor 934 disposed in the base 902. In certain embodiments, the lowercoupling pin 932 may be securely received by the lower coupling pinreceptor 934 using a compression and/or friction fit. In otherembodiments, the lower coupling pin 932 may be securely received by thelower coupling pin receptor 934 using a threaded mechanism incorporatedinto the lower coupling pin 932 and/or the lower coupling pin receptor934. In further embodiments, the lower coupling pin 932 may be securelyreceived by the lower coupling pin receptor 934 using a mechanicallatching mechanism incorporated into the lower coupling pin 932 and/orthe lower coupling pin receptor 934.

FIGS. 51-52 illustrate a holder 1100 for a PED. The holder 1100 mayinclude a case 1102, a hand grip 1104, and a coupling mechanism 1106,1108 configured to securely attach the hand grip 1104 to the case 1102.The case 1102 may be configured to receive, secure, and carry a PED andmay incorporate features of other embodiments of cases disclosed herein.

The hand grip 1104 may include a base plate 1110 and a strap 1112coupled to the base plate 1110. In certain embodiments, a user may beable to slip a part of an appendage (e.g., a hand or forearm) betweenthe base plate 1110 and the strap 1112 to secure the base plate 1110 tothe user. In certain embodiments, the strap 1112 may be formedintegrally with the base plate 1110. In other embodiments, the strap1112 may pass through and/or wrap around at least a portion of the baseplate 1110.

The inside of the strap 1112 and/or the base plate 1110 may be lined atleast in part with a pad and/or soft material (e.g., microfiber) toprovide comfortable use. In certain embodiments, the base plate 1110 maybe a circular shape, as illustrated, to comfortably conform to the palmof a user's hand. In other embodiments, the base plate 1110 may compriseany suitable and/or ergonomic shape.

The coupling mechanism 1106, 1108 may be configured to detachably securethe base plate 1110 of the hand grip 1104 to the case 1102. In certainembodiments, the coupling mechanism 1106, 1108 may couple the hand grip1104 to the case in a manner that allows the hand grip 1104 to berotatable relative to the case 1102. In the illustrated embodiment, thecoupling mechanism 1106, 1108 comprises hooks and loops, such asVelcro®, which can easily be separated to allow rotation. For example, aloop portion 1108 may be securely attached to the case 1102, and a hookportion 1106 may be securely attached to the hand grip 1104.

The hand grip 1104 may be secured to the case 1102 when the hook portion1106 and the loop portion 1108 come into contact. The hand grip 1104 canbe rotated relative to the case 1102 by separating the hook portion 1106and the loop portion 1108 (i.e., by separating the hand grip 1104 fromthe case 1102), rotating the hand grip 1104 as desired, and recouplingthe hook portion 1106 and the loop portion 1108. In certain embodiments,the coupling mechanism 1106, 1108 allows rotation of the case 1102relative to the hand grip 1104 to any desired degree, includingpositions less than ninety degrees, thereby allowing the user to find arotational orientation of the case 1102 that is comfortable. In otherembodiments, the coupling mechanism 1106, 1108 may be configured suchthat only selected orientations are permitted. For example, in oneembodiment, the coupling mechanism 1106, 1108 may be configured to onlyaccept a rotational orientation of the case 1102 at 90 degree intervals.

The loop portion 1108 may be attached to the case 1102 with an adhesive.In another embodiment, the loop portion 1108 may be formed integrallywith the case 1102. Similarly, the hook portion 1106 may be attached tothe base plate 1110 of the hand grip 1104 with an adhesive, or may beintegrally formed with the base plate 1110.

The coupling mechanism 1106, 1108 can be any suitable securement devicethat allows the case 1102 to be rotated relative to the hand grip 1104.For example, the coupling mechanism 1106, 1108 may include a ratchetingswivel or pivot, a rotating grommet mechanism, a ball and socketmechanism, a temporary adhesive, a releasable latch, a clip, one or morebuttons, a suction cup, and/or one or more straps allowing forrotational securement.

In certain embodiments, the coupling mechanism 1106, 1108 may coupledirectly to a PED (not shown). For example, the loop portion 1108 may beconstructed and arranged to be attached directly to the back of a PED.An adhesive designed to adhere to the back of the PED may be applied tothe back of the loop portion 1108. In other embodiments, the hookportion 1106 may include an adhesive to attach directly to the PED.

FIGS. 53-56 illustrate a holder 1200 for a PED (not shown) in a handheldconfiguration. The holder 1200 may include a case 1202 configured toreceive, secure, and retain a PED, and a sheath 1204. The sheath 1204may be constructed and arranged to releasably secure to the case 1202.For example, the case 1202 may include one or more cleats 1206, 1208 andthe sheath 1204 may include one or more holes 1210 constructed andarranged to releasably attach the sheath 1204 to the cleats 1206, 1208.

FIG. 53 illustrates a back perspective view of the holder 1200 with thesheath 1204 detached from the case 1202. FIG. 54 illustrates a backperspective view of the holder 1200 with the holes 1210 of the sheath1204 attached to a pair of cleats 1208 in a first orientation. A usercan insert a hand or other appendage in between the sheath 1204 and thecase 1202 and the sheath 204, such that the holder 1200 can be securedto the user. In FIG. 54, the holder 1200 with the sheath 1204 in thefirst orientation is configured to be secured such that when the user'shand is positioned with fingers aligned horizontally across the user'sbody, the PED is oriented in a portrait orientation. Alternatively, ifthe user's hand is positioned with the fingers aligned vertically, thePED may be oriented in a landscape orientation. In other embodiments,the sheath 1204 can also function as a handle, such that a user cansimply grasp the sheath 1204. Accordingly, the sheath 1204, incombination with the grasp of a user, can secure the case 1202 and PEDdisposed therein to a user.

The sheath 1204 can be detached from the first pair of cleats 1206, asshown in FIG. 56, rotated relative to the case 1202, and attached to asecond pair of cleats 1208 on the case 1202, as shown in FIG. 54. Inthis manner, the sheath 1204 may be rotatable to allow use of the PED ina portrait orientation or a landscape orientation. In certainembodiments, cleats 1206, 1208 may be attached directly to the PEDrather than to the case 1202. Further, in certain embodiments, anynumber of cleats 1206, 1208 may be included allowing for multipleviewing orientations including, or in addition to, a portraitorientation and/or a landscape orientation. Additional holes 1210 can beincluded on the sheath 1204 to allow for adjustable sizing and/ortension of the sheath 1204 to accommodate varying user hand sizes.Additionally, the inside of the sheath 1204 may be lined with amicrofiber material and or a pad to provide comfortable use.

FIG. 55 is a top perspective view of the case 1202, and a side view ofthe sheath 1204. The sheath 1204 may include one or more notches 1212that, in certain embodiments, may be shaped and configured to receive anend of the case 1202. The sheath 1204 may be formed of a flexiblematerial that can be bent into substantially a “U” shape, such that theend of the case 1202 can be inserted into notches 1212.

FIGS. 57-58 illustrate a holder 1200 for a PED (not shown) in a standconfiguration. As illustrated, the bottom edge of the sheath 1204 can beset on a table or other flat surface and can function as a stand for thePED when an end of the case 1202 is disposed in the notches 1212. Thesheath 1204 may also be configured to receive the PED at differentorientations such that the user can insert the case 1202 and/or the PED102 therein and view the display from a landscape orientation or,alternatively, a portrait orientation.

In certain embodiments, the sheath 1204 can include a pocket into whichthe user's hand or other appendage may be inserted. In otherembodiments, the sheath 1204 may include an opening through which auser's hand can be inserted. The positioning of the cleats 1206, 1208may be adjustable (e.g., adjustable via a sliding mechanism), to adjustsizing and/or positioning of the sheath 1204 relative to the case 1202and/or PED. In other embodiments, the cleats 1206, 1208 may bedetachable or configured to be disposed within (i.e., pushed into) thecase 1202 when not in use.

FIGS. 59-62 illustrate a rotatable holder 1300 for a PED 102. The holder1300 may include a case 1302, a hand grip 1304, and a rotatable couplingmember 1306 to rotatably attach the hand grip 1304 to the case 1302. Thecase 1302 may be configured to receive, secure, and carry the PED 102,and may include any combination of the various features and embodimentsdescribed in any of the cases described herein.

The case 1302 may further comprise one or more kickstands 1308 that maybe constructed and arranged to prop up the case 1302 in a viewingposition. In certain embodiments, the kickstands 1308 may be recessedinto the case 1302 when not in use, and may rotate out from the case1302 to prop up the case 1302, as illustrated in FIG. 61 and FIG. 62. Inthis manner, the kickstands 1308 may allow the case 1302 to operate as astand to support the PED 102 in a substantially upright and/or elevatedposition. A first kickstand 1308 may prop the case upright and/orelevated in a landscape orientation, as illustrated in FIG. 61, and asecond kickstand 1308 may prop the case upright and/or elevated in aportrait orientation, as illustrated in FIG. 62.

The hand grip 1304 may include a knob or similar structure (e.g., abulb, a handle, etc) that a user can easily grasp. The hand grip 1304 incombination with a user's grasp may secure the case relative to theuser's hand. In the illustrated embodiments, the hand grip 1304 issubstantially a half sphere. As can be appreciated, the hand grip 1304may be formed in any suitable shape that can be easily grasped by auser. Hand grip 1304 may also include finger depressions designed tocomfortably receive one or more of a user's fingers. In certainembodiments, the hand grip 1304 can be a mitt and/or similar glove-likeor pocket-like structure coupled to the case 1302 by the rotatablecoupling member 1306. The mitt can be constructed and arranged with anopening to receive a hand of a user. The mitt may receive the hand ofthe user with the palm facing toward the back of the case 1302, and mayalso be configured to receive the hand of the user with the palm facingaway from the case 1302. The mitt may further include a mounting plateto provide a rigid surface for attaching the mitt to the rotatablecoupling member 1306.

The rotatable coupling member 1306 may be configured to rotatably securethe hand grip 1304 to the case 1302. In the illustrated embodiment, thecoupling member 1306 may comprise a ratcheted swivel. The rotatablecoupling member 1306 may allow the case 1302 to rotate relative to thehand grip 1304 without decoupling the case 1302 from the hand grip 1304and without a user releasing the hand grip 1304. The rotation allowed bythe rotatable coupling member 1306 may be within a plane substantiallyparallel to a plane of the back surface of the case 1302 or a plane ofthe back surface of a PED 102 retained within the case 1302.Accordingly, the rotation of the rotatable coupling member 1306 mayfacilitate rotation of the PED 102 between a variety of orientationsincluding, for example, a portrait orientation and a landscapeorientation. In certain embodiments, the rotatable coupling member 1306may allow rotation up to at least ninety degrees, from portraitorientation to landscape orientation. The rotatable coupling member 1306may also allow 360 degree rotation, such that the PED 102 can be rotatedto any angle.

A ratcheting mechanism included within the rotatable coupling member1306 may substantially secure the case 1302 relative to the hand grip1304 at various increments of rotation. The ratcheting mechanism may beformed by a plurality of female detents interacting with one or moreprojecting members, such as spheres or half spheres that catch a detentas it passes during rotation. The rotatable coupling member 1306 mayallow rotation of the case 1302 relative to the hand grip 1304 tosubstantially any desired degree, including points less than ninetydegrees, thereby allowing the user to find a rotational orientation ofthe case 1302 that is comfortable. In certain embodiments, the rotatablecoupling member 1306 may be configured such that the rotation may onlylock into place at 90-degree intervals that correspond with thelandscape and portrait orientations of the PED 102.

FIGS. 63-65 illustrate a handheld holder 1400 for a PED 102. The holder1400 may include a case 1402, and a hand pocket 1404 attached to thecase 1402. The case 1402 may be configured to receive, secure, and carrythe PED 102, and may include any combination of the various features andembodiments described in any of the cases described herein.

The hand pocket 1404 can be coupled to the back of the case 1402 and beconfigured to receive a hand of a user. In certain embodiments, the handpocket 1404 can be constructed and arranged to receive a hand of a usersuch that a PED 102 inserted into the case 1402 is oriented in aportrait orientation and also constructed and arranged to receive thehand of the user such that the PED 102 is oriented in a landscapeorientation. The hand pocket 1404 may be stitched to the back of thecase 1402, or otherwise secured using any appropriate securement methodor device, including but not limited to an adhesive, hooks and loops,buttons, one or more zippers, and/or clamps. The hand pocket 1404 mayalso be integrated into the case 1402.

The hand pocket 1404 may include a first opening 1406 to receive a handof a user and thereby secure the PED 102 relative to the hand of theuser. The PED 102 may be secured relative to the hand of the user suchthat when the user raises the hand substantially near the abdomen orchest, the PED 102 may be oriented in a portrait orientation. In certainembodiments, the user's hand may be received into the hand pocket 1404with the palm facing toward the back of the PED 102 or, alternatively,with the palm facing away from the PED 102.

The hand pocket 1404 may further include a second opening 1408 toreceive the hand of the user and thereby secure the PED 102 relative tothe hand of the user such that the PED 102 is oriented in a landscapeorientation. In such embodiments, the user may remove a hand from thefirst opening 1406 and insert the hand into the second opening 1408 tochange the orientation of the PED 102. In this manner the case 1402 isrotatable at least ninety degrees and allows operability of the PED 102in either a portrait or a landscape orientation.

In some embodiments, the holder 1400 may include a pocket 1404 thatfurther includes a third opening 1410 opposite the first opening 1406and a fourth opening 1412 opposite the second opening 1408. Using theseopenings 1406, 1408, 1410, and 1412, a hand can be inserted into thehand pocket 1404 from any of four directions separated by ninetydegrees, thus allowing orientation of the PED 102 in either of twopossible landscape orientations (e.g., a first landscape orientation andthen a second landscape orientation at 180 degrees from the first) andin either of two possible portrait orientations (e.g., a first portraitorientation and then a second at 180 degrees from the first).Furthermore, the fingers of a hand inserted into the third opening 1410may extend partially out of the first opening 1406, as illustrated inFIG. 64. Similarly, the fingers of a hand inserted into the secondopening 1408 may extend partially out of the fourth opening 1412.

As illustrated in FIG. 65, the hand pocket 1404 may be connected to thePED 102 and/or case 1402 via a rotatable coupling mechanism 1414, suchas a grommet or any other rotatable connection and/or mechanismdescribed herein. In certain embodiments, the pocket 1404 may comprise aslightly rigid or reinforced side configured to be positioned adjacentto the PED 102 and/or the case 1402 and to be coupled to the rotatablecoupling mechanism 1414.

FIGS. 66-67 illustrate a handheld holder 1500 for a PED (not shown). Theholder 1500 may include a case 1502 and one or more hand pockets 1504,1506 coupled to the case 1502. The case 1502 may be configured toreceive, secure, and carry the PED, and may include any combination ofthe various features and embodiments described in any of the casesdescribed herein.

One hand pocket 1506 may be oriented to receive a hand of a user andthereby secure the holder such that a PED secured in the case 1502 isoriented in a portrait orientation. Another hand pocket 1504 may beoriented to receive the hand of the user and thereby secure the holdersuch that a PED secured in the case 1502 is oriented in a landscapeorientation. The user can insert the hand into either of the handpockets 1504, 1506, depending on the desired orientation of the PED. Inthis manner, the case 1502 is rotatable at least ninety degrees andallows operability of the PED in either a portrait or a landscapeorientation. In another embodiment, the holder 1500 may compriseadditional hand pockets 1504, 1506 to allow additional degrees ofrotation.

The hand pockets 1504, 1506 may be stitched to the back of the case1502, or otherwise be secured using any appropriate securement method ordevice, including but not limited to an adhesive, hook and loopmechanisms, buttons, one or more zippers, and/or clamps. The handpockets 1504, 1506 may also be integrated into the case 1502. In certainembodiments, the hand pockets 1504, 1506 may be movable to one or morepositions on the back of the case 1502. For example, a back side of thecase 1502 may include a loop portion of a hook and loop mechanism, andthe hand pockets 1504, 1506 may be attached anywhere on the backside ofthe case 1502 using a hook portion disposed thereon. In this manner, thehand pockets 1504, 1506 may be positioned on the case 1502 to allow fora variety of viewing orientations.

FIGS. 68-69 illustrate a case 1600 for a PED (not shown). The case 1600may be configured to receive, secure, and carry the PED, and may includeany combination of the various features and embodiments described in anyof the cases described herein. As illustrated, the case may include oneor more kickstands 1604 configure to allow the case 1600 to function asa stand depending on the orientation of the kickstands 1604 (e.g.,depending on whether kickstands are deployed). In certain embodiments,the kickstands 1604 may be recessed into the case 1600 when not in useto prop the case 1600 in an upright and/or elevated position, and mayrotate out from the case 1600 for use, as illustrated. The kickstands1604 may allow the case to operate as a stand to support a PED in asubstantially upright and/or elevated position. A first kickstand 1604may prop the case 1600 upright and/or elevated in a landscapeorientation, as illustrated in FIG. 68, and a second kickstand 1604 mayprop the case 1600 upright and/or elevated in a portrait orientation, asillustrated in FIG. 69.

The case 1600 may also include a cover 1602 configured to be positionedover a PED inserted into the case 1600 and to substantially encloseand/or protect the PED. In certain embodiments, the cover 1602 may snapinto the case 1600, thereby enclosing a PED disposed therein. In otherembodiments, the cover 1602 may be strapped or fastened using any othermechanical means into the case 1600. In certain embodiments, the cover1602 can be used to protect a PED disposed within the case 1600 when thePED is not in use. In other embodiments, the cover 1602 may comprise atransparent window through which a user can view and/or manipulate thePED, and thus the cover 1602 can remain positioned over the PED, bothduring use and when not in use. In certain embodiments, a windowincluded in the cover 1602 may be permanently open or may alternativelybe selectively openable.

FIG. 70 illustrates a handheld holder 1700 for a PED (not shown). Thehandheld holder 1700 may comprise a case 1702 and a hand pocket 1704coupled to the case 1702 via a rotatable coupling mechanism 1706. Incertain embodiments, the rotatable coupling mechanism 1706 may be agrommet or any other rotatable connection and/or mechanism describedherein, and may be coupled directly to a PED rather than the case 1702.The case 1702 may be configured to receive, secure, and carry the PED,and may include any combination of the various features and embodimentsdescribed in any of the cases described herein. Further, the hand pocket1704 may be a pocket, a strap, a pouch, a knob, a handle, and or anyinterface allowing a user's hand or other appendage to grasp orotherwise be secured into the hand pocket 1704.

The rotatable coupling mechanism 1706 may allow a PED disposed in thecase 1702 to be viewed in a variety of viewing orientations relative tothe hand pocket 1704. For example, in certain embodiments, a user maysecure the hand pocket 1704 in a particular position (e.g., by securinga hand in the hand pocket 1704 or the like), and rotate the case 1702 ina variety of orientations relative to the hand pocket 1704 using therotatable coupling mechanism 1706. In certain embodiments, the rotatablecoupling mechanism 1706 may be configured to have one or more lockingpositions where the rotatable coupling mechanism 1706 requires a higherdegree of rotational resistance to move the rotatable coupling mechanismfrom the non-locking positions. For example, the rotatable couplingmechanism 1706 may including locking positions where the case 1702relative to the hand pocket 1704 is in a portrait orientation and alandscape orientation.

FIGS. 71-73 illustrate a rotatable coupling mechanism 1706. Therotatable coupling mechanism 1706 may be included in any of the casedesigns detailed herein and be used in such designs to change theorientation of a PED to one or more desired orientations (e.g.,landscape and/or portrait). The rotatable coupling mechanism 1706 may besubstantially any cylindrical shape (e.g., a long shaft, a shortcylinder similar to a hockey puck, etc.) and may comprise twocomplementary halves 1708, 1710 configured to rotate relative to eachother and interact so as to create one or more locking positions. Thecomplementary surfaces of the halves 1708, 1710 may comprise one or moreprotrusions 1712 and one or more depressions 1714 to implement a lockingposition. The protrusions 1712 of a first half 1708 may complement andconform to the depressions 1714 of a second half 1710, as illustrated inFIG. 72. Similarly, the protrusions 1712 of the second half 1710 maycomplement and conform to the depressions 1714 of the first half 1708.As the first half 1708 rotates relative to the second half 1710, theprotrusions 1712 of the first half 1708 may rotate between non-lockingpositions (i.e., where the protrusions 1712 of the first half 1708 abutthe protrusions 1712 of the second half 1710) and locking positions(i.e., where the protrusions 1712 of the first half 1708 abut thedepressions 1714 of the second half 1710). The protrusions 1712 anddepressions 1714 may alternate as illustrated and may be anyfunctionally appropriate shape including, a wave shape, a set ofcomplementary teeth, and the like.

In certain embodiments, the protrusions 1712 may have a rounded shapeand be configured such that a first protrusion 1712 on a first half 1708allows a second protrusion 1712 on the opposing second half 1710 tosmoothly rotate over and past the first protrusion as the halves 1708,1710 rotate relative to one another. Similarly, the depressions 1714 mayhave a rounded shape. Moreover, the transition from a protrusion 1712 toa depression 1714 may be seamless and continuous to form a gentlerounded surface as illustrated. Accordingly, the halves 1708, 1710 caneasily be rotated relative to one another, and thereby transitionedbetween locking positions, while the halves 1708, 1710 are in abutmentto one another and without being separated.

In other embodiments, the protrusions 1712 may be jagged without arounded shape. For example, the protrusions 1712 may comprisecomplementary teeth. In some embodiments, the teeth may be triangular inshape, alternating between protrusions 1712 and depressions 1714. Incertain embodiments, the halves 1708, 1710 may need to be pulled apartand separated before rotation can occur. In other embodiments, thetransition from protrusion 1712 to depression 1714 may be morepronounced and/or non-continuous, such that there is a separationbetween each protrusion 1712 and depression 1714.

In the illustrated embodiments, each half 1708, 1710 comprises fourprotrusions 1712 and four depressions 1714. Accordingly, the rotatablecoupling mechanism 1706 comprises four locking positions. The fourlocking positions may each correspond to ninety degrees of rotation. Ascan be appreciated, additional protrusions 1712 and depressions 1714 maybe provided so as to allow additional locking positions at smallerdegrees of rotation. Moreover, fewer protrusions 1712 and depressions1714 may be provided as well to provide fewer locking positions.

The rotatable coupling mechanism 1706 may further comprise a connectingmember 1716, such as a rod or elastic piece, configured as an axis aboutwhich the halves 1708, 1710 rotate. The connecting member 1716 may alsosecure the halves 1708, 1710 relative to one another. In someembodiments, the connecting member 1716 may include one or more biasingmembers configured to urge the first half 1708 and second half 1710together. For example, the connecting member 1716 may pass through thetwo halves 1708, 1710 and be spring-loaded with springs 1718 on theoutside of the two halves 1708, 1710 to push the two halves 1708, 1710together. Alternatively, the connecting member 1716 itself may comprisea biasing member, such as a spring 1718 or an elastic material, that mayprovide a biasing force, as illustrated in FIG. 73. The biasing forcemay be provided to urge the halves 1708, 1710 toward one another. Thebiasing force may also urge the rotatable coupling mechanism 1706 towarda locking position (i.e., by urging the protrusions 1712 of the firsthalf 1708 toward a position abutting the depressions 1714 of the secondhalf 1710 and vice versa). In other embodiments, an external force suchas, for example, gravity may provide a biasing force to urge the halves1708, 1710 toward one another.

FIGS. 74-77 illustrate a rotatable case 1800 for a PED 102. The case1800 may include a holder 1802 configured to receive, secure, retain,and carry the PED 102, and may include any combination of the variousfeatures and embodiments described in any of the cases and/or holdersdescribed herein. As illustrated, the holder 1802 may be configured toretain the PED 102 by mechanically securing the PED 102 at its corners.In certain embodiments, the holder 1802 may retain the PED 102 using acompression and/or snap fit mechanism.

The case 1800 may further include a cover 1804, 1806 comprising a baseportion 1804 and a support portion 1806. The base portion 1804 and thesupport portion 1806 may be coupled at a fold 1808 allowing for the baseportion 1804 to hinge with respect to the support portion 1806. Incertain embodiments, the base portion 1804 and the support portion 1806may be formed integrally and the fold 1808 may be formed as part of thebase portion 1804 and the support portion 1806. In other embodiments,the base portion 1804, the support portion 1806, and the fold 1808 maybe separate components. In certain embodiments, the holder 1802 and/orthe cover 1804 may provide protection to an enclosed PED 102. Forexample, the holder 1802, the base portion 1804, and/or the supportportion 1806 may be reinforced with padding, metal, plastic, cardboard,rubber, and/or other materials or any combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the fold 1808 may include various folds, bends,and/or curvatures in material to obtain desirable resistance and/orresilience characteristics. For the example, the fold 1808 may beconfigured to function as a bi-stable, tri-stable, or N-stable fold,allowing a user to selectively vary the relative angle between the baseportion 1804 and the support portion 1806 into one or more predeterminedangles. In some embodiments utilizing an N-stable fold, the supportportion 1806 may effectively “snap” into one or more predeterminedpositions relative to the base portion 1804.

The base portion 1804 may be coupled to a vertical support 1810 via ahinge 1812. In certain embodiments, the vertical support 1810 may beconfigured to support in part the holder 1802 in an upright and/orelevated position allowing for viewing of the display 104 of the PED102. The vertical support 1810 may be coupled to the holder 1802 via arotational mechanism 1814 allowing for variable rotation of the holder1802 relative to the vertical support 1810. For example, as illustratedin FIG. 77, the rotational mechanism 1814 may include a rotationalgrommet secured to the vertical support 1810 and the holder 1802allowing for variable rotation of the holder 1802 relative to thevertical support 1810. In other embodiments, the rotational mechanism1814 may include a ratcheting swivel or pivot, a ball and socketmechanism, a temporary adhesive, a releasable latch, a clip, one or morebuttons, a suction cup, and/or one or more straps allowing forrotational securement. In certain embodiments, the rotational mechanism1814 may snap into certain specific rotational orientations (e.g.,portrait orientation, as illustrated in FIG. 75, and/or landscapeorientation, as illustrated in FIG. 74) and require rotational force tomove to a different specific orientation. In alternative embodiments,the rotation mechanism 1814 may not snap into specific orientations butmay allow for rotational articulation in any number of orientations.Further, in certain embodiments, the vertical support 1810 may becoupled to the holder 1802 via a non-rotatable connection including, forexample, a fixed and/or hinged mechanism.

The vertical support 1810 may be configured to allow for its length tobe adjusted using a sliding track or similar adjustable mechanism. Insome embodiments, by adjusting the length of the vertical support 1810,the relative distance between the base portion 1804 and the holder 1802may be adjusted. In certain embodiments, the length of the verticalsupport 1810 may be configured to be adjusted to one or morepredetermined positions via a selective locking mechanism or the like.In other embodiments, the vertical support 1810 may have a fixed length.

As illustrated in FIG. 77, the back of the vertical support 1810 mayinclude one or more channels 1816. In some embodiments, the channels maybe configured to receive an edge of the support portion 1806. Toconfigure the case 1800 to support the PED 102 in an upright and/orelevated position, the base portion 1804 may be rotated relative to thevertical support 1810 about the hinge 1812 and rested on a work surface.The angle of the support portion 1806 may be adjusted relative to thebase portion 1804 via the fold 1808, thereby adjusting a viewing angleof the PED 102 included in the holder 1802. When a desired angle isachieved, an end of the support portion 1804 may be positioned in one ofthe channels 1816, allowing for the desired viewing angle to besustained by the case 1800. In some embodiments, the end of the supportportion 1806 may be secured in the channels 1816 via a compression fit.In other embodiments, a selective securement mechanism may be used tosecure the end of the support portion 1806 in the channels 1816 that mayinclude a magnetic connection, a snap, a button, a clip, or the like.

When the PED 102 is not in use, the case 1800 may be reconfigured by auser into a stowage configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 76. Toreconfigure the case 1800 in a stowage configuration, the base portion1804 and the support portion 1806 may be articulated around the hinge1812 so as to cover the display 104 of the PED 102. In such aconfiguration, the fold 1808 may be adjusted to allow the base portion1804 and the support portion 1806 to be substantially co-planar. Incertain embodiments, reconfiguration of the case 1800 in a stowageconfigured may require that the length of the vertical support 1810 beadjusted using a sliding track mechanism or the like. In someembodiments, the base portion 1804 and the support portion 1806 may besecured to the holder 1802 and/or the PED 102 in the stowageconfiguration via a magnetic connection, one or more releasable clips,straps, and/or other locking mechanisms allowing for the case 1800 to beselectively locked into a stowage configuration and selectively releasedfrom the stowage configuration.

FIGS. 78-81 illustrate a support 1900 for a PED 102. The support 1900may include a holder 1902, 1904 configured to receive, secure, retain,and carry the PED 102, and may include any combination of the variousfeatures and embodiments described in any of the cases and/or holdersdescribed herein. As illustrated, the holder 1902, 1904 may beconfigured to retain the PED 102 by mechanically securing the PED 102using a compression fit mechanism or the like. In certain embodiments,the holder 1902, 1904 may include a main portion 1902 and a selectivelyremovable top portion 1904. A PED 102 may be disposed within the mainportion 1902 when the top portion 1904 is removed and securely lockedwithin the main portion 1902 when the top portion 1904 is securelycoupled to the main portion 1902 using a selective latching mechanism1906 or the like. In some embodiments, the main portion 1902 and the topportion 1904 may be aligned using one or more ribs and/or channels orsimilar alignment mechanism.

In certain embodiments, the holder 1902, 1904 may further comprise oneor more kickstands 1908 that may be configured and arranged to prop upthe holder 1902, 1904 in a viewing position. The kickstand 1908 may berecessed into the holder 1902, 1904 when not in use, as illustrated inFIG. 78 and FIG. 79, and may be rotated out from the holder 1902, 1904via a hinge 1910 to prop up the holder 1902, 1904, as illustrated inFIG. 80 and FIG. 81. In this manner, the kickstand 1908 may allow thesupport 1900 to operate as a stand to support the PED 102 disposed inthe holder 1902, 1904 in a substantially upright and/or elevatedposition. In certain embodiments, by adjusting the angle of thekickstand 1908 relative to the holder 1902, 1904, a viewing angle of aPED 102 disposed within the support 1900 may be adjusted. For example,by increasing the degree to which the kickstand 1908 is rotated out fromthe holder 1902, 1904 via the hinge 1910, the PED 102 may be viewed at aless upright and/or elevated angle. Similarly, by decreasing the degreeto which the kickstand 1908 is rotated out from the holder 1902, 1904,the PED 102 may be viewed at a more upright and/or elevated angle. Incertain embodiments, the hinge 1910 may be configured to allow thekickstand 1908 to rotate out from the holder 1902, 1904 at one or morepredetermined angles using, for example, a ratcheting mechanism or thelike.

The length of the kickstand 1908 may be adjusted using a sliding and/orratcheting mechanism 1912. In certain embodiments, by adjusting thelength of the kickstand 1908, the relative viewing angle of the PED 102disposed within the support 1900 may be adjusted. For example, bylengthening the kickstand 1908, the PED 102 may be viewed at a moreupright and/or elevated angle. Similarly, by shortening the kickstand1908, the PED 102 may be viewed at a less upright and/or elevated angle.In certain embodiments, the length of the kickstand 1908 may beconfigured to be adjusted to one or more predetermined positions via aselective locking mechanism 1914 or the like. In alternativeembodiments, the kickstand 1908 may have a fixed length.

A rest 1916 may be disposed at an end of the kickstand 1908 and beconfigured to rest on a working surface when the support 1900 is in use.In certain embodiments, the rest 1916 may include one or more edgesconfigured to be positioned parallel to a working surface when thesupport 1900 is oriented in one or more orientations. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 80, the rest 1916 may include an edge configured tosit parallel to a working surface when the PED 102 is viewed in aportrait configuration. Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 81, the rest1916 may include an edge configured to sit parallel to a working surfacewhen the PED 102 is viewed in a landscape orientation. In this manner,by lifting and rotating the support 1900, a PED 102 disposed therein maybe viewed in a landscape and/or a portrait orientation. In certainembodiments, the rest 1916 may comprise a material configured to preventthe rest 1916 from easily sliding along the work surface (e.g., rubberor the like).

FIGS. 82-84 illustrate a rotatable support 2000 for a PED 102. Thesupport 2000 may include a holder 2002, 2004 configured to receive,secure, retain, and carry the PED 102, and may include any combinationof the various features and embodiments described in any of the casesand/or holders described herein. As illustrated, the holder 2002, 2004may be configured to retain the PED 102 by mechanically securing the PED102 using a compression fit mechanism or the like. In certainembodiments, the holder 2002, 2004 may include a main portion 2002 and aselectively removable top portion 2004. A PED 102 may be disposed withinthe main portion 2002 when the top portion 2004 is removed and securelylocked within the main portion 2002 when the top portion 2004 issecurely coupled to the main portion 2002 using a selective latchingmechanism or the like. In certain embodiments, a depression 2006integrated into the main portion 2002 and/or the top portion 2004 may beutilized by a user to aid in removing the top portion 2004 from the mainportion 2002. In some embodiments, the main portion 2002 and the topportion 2004 may be aligned using one or more ribs and/or channels or asimilar alignment mechanism.

The holder 2002, 2004 may define a window allowing for a display 104 ofthe PED 102 to be viewed by a user. Further, the holder 2002, 2004 mayinclude one or more access windows 2008 allowing for PED 102 accessories(e.g., cameras) and/or interfaces (e.g., buttons, switches, knobs, etc.)to be accessed through the holder 2002, 2004.

The holder 2002, 2004 may further comprise one or more kickstands 2010that may be configured and arranged to prop up the holder 2002, 2004 ina viewing position. The kickstand 2010 may be recessed into the holder2002, 2004 when not in use, as illustrated in FIG. 82, and may berotated out from the holder 2002, 2004 via a hinge 2012 to prop up theholder 2002, 2004, as illustrated in FIG. 83. In this manner, thekickstand 2010 may allow the support 2000 to operate as a stand tosupport the PED 102 disposed in the holder 2002, 2004 in a substantiallyupright and/or elevated position. In certain embodiments, by adjustingthe relative angle of the kickstand 2010 relative to the holder 2002,2004, a viewing angle of a PED 102 disposed within the support 2000 maybe adjusted. For example, by increasing the degree to which thekickstand 2010 is rotated out from the holder 2002, 2004 via the hinge2012, the PED 102 may be viewed at a less upright and/or elevated anglewhen a rest 2014 included on the end of the kickstand 2010 is placed ona working surface. Similarly, by decreasing the degree to which thekickstand 2010 is rotated out from the holder 2002, 2004, the PED 102may be viewed at a more upright and/or elevated angle when a rest 2014included on the end of the kickstand 2010 is placed on a workingsurface. In some embodiments, the hinge 2012 may be configured to allowthe kickstand 2010 to rotate out from the holder 2002, 2004 at one ormore predetermined angles using, for example, a ratcheting mechanism orthe like. In certain embodiments, the rest 2014 may comprise a materialconfigured to prevent the rest 2014 from easily sliding along the worksurface (e.g., rubber or the like).

The length of the kickstand 2010 may be adjusted using a sliding and/orratcheting mechanism 2016. In certain embodiments, by adjusting thelength of the kickstand 2010, the relative viewing angle of the PED 102disposed within the support 2000 may be adjusted. For example, bylengthening the kickstand 2010, the PED 102 may be viewed at a moreupright and/or elevated angle. Similarly, by shortening the kickstand2010, the PED 102 may be viewed at a less upright and/or elevated angle.In certain embodiments, the length of the kickstand 2010 may beconfigured to be adjusted to one or more predetermined positions via aselective locking mechanism or the like. In alternative embodiments, thekickstand 2010 may have a fixed length.

In certain embodiments, the kickstand 2010 may be coupled to the holder2002, 2004 via a rotational mechanism 2018. In certain embodiments, therotational mechanism 2018 may include a rotational grommet secured tothe hinge 2012 and the kickstand 2010 allowing for variable rotation ofthe kickstand 2010 relative to the holder 2002, 2004. In otherembodiments, the rotational mechanism 2018 may include a ratchetingswivel or pivot, a ball and socket mechanism, a temporary adhesive, areleasable latch, a clip, one or more buttons, a suction cup, and/or oneor more straps allowing for rotational securement. In certainembodiments, the rotational mechanism 2018 may snap into certainspecific rotational orientations (e.g., portrait orientation and/orlandscape orientation) and require rotational force to move to adifferent specific orientation. In alternative embodiments, the rotationmechanism 2018 may not snap into specific orientations but may allow forrotational articulation in any number of orientations. Further, incertain embodiments, the kickstand 2010 may be coupled to the holder2002, 2004 via a non-rotatable connection including, for example, afixed and/or hinged mechanism.

In some embodiments, the support 2000 may not include a holder 2002,2004, and the kickstand 2010 may be coupled to the PED 102 directly orvia a rotation mechanism 2018. In certain embodiments, the kickstand2010 and or rotation mechanism 2018 may be coupled to the PED 102 usingone or more straps, buckles, clips, adhesives, and/or other mechanicalstructures integrated into the PED 102 and/or the kickstand 2010 and/orrotation mechanism 2018.

FIGS. 85-86 illustrate a handheld holder 2100 for a PED 102. Thehandheld holder 2100 may include a case 2102 configured to receive,secure, retain, and carry the PED 102, and may include any combinationof the various features and embodiments described in any of the casesand/or holders described herein. As illustrated, the case 2102 may beconfigured to retain the PED 102 by mechanically securing the PED 102about an outer periphery thereof. In certain embodiments, the case 2102may retain the PED 102 using a compression and/or snap fit mechanism.

A hand grip 2104 may be included on a back of the handheld holder 2100.In certain embodiments, the hand grip 2104 may be mounted to arotational mechanism 2110 coupled to the back of the case 2102. The handgrip 2104 may include a center hub 2108 and one or more straps 2106extending outward therefrom and coupled to an outer periphery of therotational mechanism 2110. A user may be able to slip a part of anappendage (e.g., a hand or forearm as illustrated in FIG. 85) betweenthe rotational mechanism 2110 and the straps 2106 to secure the case2102 to the user. In certain embodiments, the hand grip 2104 may beformed integrally with the rotational mechanism 2110. In otherembodiments, the hand grip 2104 or a portion thereof (e.g., the straps2106) may pass through and/or wrap around at least a portion of therotational mechanism 2110.

The center hub 2108 may include a mechanism such that when it isrotated, the length of the one or more straps 2106 extending outwardtherefrom are adjusted. For example, when the center hub 2108 is rotatedin a particular direction, the length of the one or more straps 2106 maybe shortened. Similarly, when the center hub 2108 is rotated in adifferent direction, the length of the one or more straps may beincreased. By allowing for adjustment of the length of the one or morestraps 2106, the hand grip 2104 may be sized so as to be secured to auser's appendage (e.g., a hand or forearm) regardless of size.

The rotational mechanism 2110 may include a rotating grommet, aratcheting swivel or pivot, a ball and socket mechanism, a temporaryadhesive, a releasable latch, a clip, one or more buttons, a suctioncup, and/or one or more straps allowing for rotational securement of thehand grip 2104 to the case 2102. The inside of the strap 2106 and/or therotational mechanism 2110 may be lined at least in part with a padand/or soft material (e.g., microfiber) to provide comfortable use. Incertain embodiments, the rotational mechanism 2110 may be a circularshape, as illustrated, to comfortably conform to the palm of a user'shand. In other embodiments, the rotational mechanism 2110 may compriseany suitable and/or ergonomic shape.

When a user is wearing the rotatable holder 2100 by securing the handgrip 2104 to an appendage, the user may change the viewing orientationof the PED 102 disposed in the case 2102 by rotating the case 2102around the rotational mechanism 2110 while securing the relativeposition of the hand grip 2104 in a fixed position. For example, a usermay orient the rotational mechanism 2110 such that the PED 102 is viewedin a portrait orientation, as illustrated in FIG. 85. By applyingrotational force to the PED 102 and/or the case 2102, the case 2102 maybe rotated around the rotational mechanism 2110 and viewed in adifferent orientation including, for example, a landscape orientation.In certain embodiments, the rotational mechanism 2110 may be configuredto effectively snap into one or more predetermined orientationsincluding, for example, a portrait orientation and/or a landscapeorientation.

In some embodiments, the holder 2100 may not include a case 2102 and thehand grip 2104 may be coupled to the PED 102 directly or via a rotationmechanism 2110. In certain embodiments, the hand grip 2104 and/orrotation mechanism 2110 may be coupled to the PED 102 using one or morestraps, buckles, clips, adhesives, and/or other mechanical structuresintegrated into the PED 102 and/or the hand grip 2104 and/or therotation mechanism 2110.

FIGS. 87-89 illustrate a support 2200 for a PED 102. The support 2200may include a case 2202 configured to receive, secure, retain, and carrythe PED 102, and may include any combination of the various features andembodiments described in any of the cases and/or holders describedherein. As illustrated, the case 2202 may be configured to retain thePED 102 by mechanically securing the PED 102 using a compression fitmechanism or the like. In certain embodiments, the PED 102 may besecured within the case 2202 by one or more securement clips 2204located on an end of the case 2202 configured to receive the PED 102, asillustrated in FIG. 89.

In some embodiments, the case 2202 may define a window allowing a userto view a display 104 of the PED 102. Further, the case 2202 may includeone or more areas exposing the PED 102. In certain embodiments, theseareas may aid in removing the PED 102 from the case 2202.

The support 2200 may further comprise one or more kickstands 2206coupled to the case 2202 that may be configured and arranged to prop upthe support 2200 in a viewing position. In certain embodiments, thekickstand 2206 may include any combination of the various features andembodiments described in any of the kickstands described herein. Forexample, the kickstand 2206 may be rotationally coupled to the case 2202using a rotational mechanism similar to the rotational mechanism 2018illustrated in FIGS. 82-84. In such embodiments, the viewing orientation(e.g., portrait and/or landscape orientation) of the PED 102 disposedwithin the support 2200 may be adjusted by rotating the kickstand 2206relative to the case 2202. Further, the kickstand 2206 may be adjustablesimilar to the kickstand 2010 illustrated in FIGS. 82-84.

In certain embodiments, the case 2202 may define a storage region 2208configured to secure and retain (i.e., store) one or more accessories2210 associated with the PED 102 to the case 2202. In some embodiments,the one or more accessories 2210 may comprise any PED 102 interface(e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, headphones, and the like) or accessory(e.g., memory devices, cleaning solution, and the like). In certainembodiments, the one or more accessories 2210 may be secured andretained within the storage region 2208 mechanically using a compressionfit mechanism or the like. In certain other embodiments, the one or moreaccessories may be secured within the storage region 2208 using one ormore releasable clips, straps, or other locking features that allow forthe accessories 2210 to be selectively locked into the storage region2208 and selectively released from the storage region 2208.

FIGS. 90-91 illustrates a rotatable case 2300 for a PED 102 oriented ina landscape configuration. In certain embodiments, the rotatable case2300 may include a holder (not shown) configured to receive, secure,retain, and carry the PED 102, and may include any combination of thevarious features and embodiments described in any of the cases and/orholders described herein. In other embodiments, as illustrated, therotatable case 2300 may couple directly to the PED 102.

The rotatable case 2300 may include one or more horizontal supports 2302extending from a rotational hub 2304 and coupled to an outer edge of thePED 102 via horizontal support clips 2306. In some embodiments, thehorizontal support clips 2306 may be coupled to the outer edge of thePED 102 using a compression fit. In alternative embodiments, thehorizontal support clips 2306 may be secured to the outer edge of thePED 102 using releasable clips, straps, or any other selectively lockingmechanism. In certain embodiments, the length of the horizontal supports2302 may be adjusted so that the horizontal support clips 2306 fitsecurely around the outer edge of the PED 102. In this manner, thehorizontal supports 2302 may be adjusted to secure PEDs 102 havingvaried dimensions.

In certain embodiments, the rotational hub 2304 may include a rotationalmechanism configured to allow the horizontal supports 2302 to rotaterelative to one or more vertical supports 2308. The rotational mechanismmay include a rotating grommet, a ratcheting swivel or pivot, a ball andsocket mechanism, a temporary adhesive, a releasable latch, a clip, oneor more buttons, a suction cup, and/or one or more straps allowing forrotational securement of the horizontal supports 2302 to the verticalsupports 2308.

The vertical supports 2308 may be coupled to an outer edge of the PED102 via vertical support clips 2310. In some embodiments, the verticalsupport clips 2310 may be coupled to the outer edge of the PED 102 usinga compression fit. In alternative embodiments, the vertical supportclips 2310 may be secured to the outer edge of the PED 102 usingreleasable clips, straps, or any other selectively locking mechanism. Incertain embodiments, the length of the vertical supports 2308 may beadjusted so that the vertical support clips 2310 fit securely around theouter edge of the PED 102. In this manner, the vertical supports 2308may be adjusted to secure PEDs 102 having varied dimensions.

Each of the horizontal support clips 2306 may be coupled to the ends ofPED supports 2312. In certain embodiments, the horizontal support clips2306 may be rotatably coupled to the ends of PED supports 2312 such thatthe PED supports 2312 may rotate in one or more directions relative tothe horizontal support clips 2306. In this manner, the PED supports 2312may be utilized to support the PED 102 when the PED 102 is propped up inan upright and/or elevated viewing position. In certain embodiments, thelengths of the PED supports 2312 may be adjustable.

The other ends of the PED supports 2312 may be coupled to hinges 2314configured to allow the PED supports 2312 to rotate in one or moredirections relative to the hinges 2314. The hinges 2314 may be in turnrigidly coupled to a base 2316. During use of the rotatable case 2300,the base 2316 may be placed on a working surface. The PED 102 may beraised and oriented in a viewing position by placing a bottom edge ofthe PED 102 on a top surface of the base 2316, as illustrated in FIG.90. In such a configuration, the PED 102 may be supported in part by PEDsupports 2312 oriented at an appropriate angle relative to the PED 102and/or base 2316 via the hinges 2314 and/or the horizontal support clips2306. In some embodiments, the viewing angle of the PED 102 may beadjusted by changing the relative angle of the PED supports 2312relative to the PED 102 and/or base 2316. In certain embodiments, thePED supports 2312 may be configured to support the PED 102 at one ormore predefined viewing angles using a ratcheting or similar mechanismincluded in the hinges 2314 and/or the horizontal support clips 2306.

In certain embodiments, the bottom edge of the PED 102 may be positionedin one or more channels (not shown) included on the top surface of thebase 2316 that may be similar to the channels 116 illustrated in FIGS.1-2. In other embodiments, the bottom edge of the PED 102 may be restedon a material included on the top surface of the base 2316 designed toprevent the bottom edge of the PED 102 from easily sliding along thesurface (e.g., rubber, suede, or the like).

In certain embodiments, when the PED 102 is in an upright and/orelevated position, the orientation of the PED 102 may be adjusted byrotating the vertical supports 2308 coupled to the PED 102 relative tothe horizontal supports 2302 about the rotational hub 2304. For example,the vertical supports 2308 may be rotated about the rotational hub 2304into a position where the vertical supports 2308 are perpendicular tothe horizontal supports 2302 which may correspond to a landscapeorientation for the PED 102, as illustrated in FIG. 90. Similarly, thevertical supports 2308 may be rotated about the rotational hub 2304 intoa position where the vertical supports 2308 are parallel to thehorizontal supports 2302 which may correspond to a portrait orientationfor the PED 102.

In some embodiments, the base 2316 may include one or more integratedinterfaces 2318 configured to interface with the PED 102. For example,as illustrated in FIG. 90, the base 2316 may include a keyboard. Inother embodiments, the interfaces 2318 may include a touch pad, aspeaker, or any other interface device capable of being integrated intothe base 2316.

When the PED 102 is not in use, the rotatable case 2300 may bereconfigured by a user into a stowage configuration, as illustrated inFIG. 91. To reconfigure the rotatable case 2300 in a stowageconfiguration, the PED 102 may be articulated around the PED supports2312, hinges 2314, and/or the horizontal support clips 2306 so as tocover the display 104 of the PED 102 with the top surface of the base2316. In such a configuration, interfaces 2318 disposed on the topsurface of the base 2316 may also be protected from external damage. Incertain embodiments, reconfiguration of the case 2300 in a stowageconfiguration may require that the length of the PED supports 2312 beadjusted. In some embodiments, the base 2316 may be secured to the PED102 in the stowage configuration via a magnetic connection, one or morereleasable clips, straps, and/or other locking mechanism allowing forthe rotatable case 2300 to be selectively locked into a stowageconfiguration and selectively release from the stowage configuration.

FIGS. 92-95 illustrate a rotatable case 2400 for a PED 102 including anintegrated keyboard 2406. In certain embodiments, the rotatable case2400 may include a holder (not shown) configured to receive, secure,retain, and carry the PED 102, and may include any combination of thevarious features and embodiments described in any of the cases and/orholders described herein. In other embodiments, as illustrated, therotatable case 2400 may couple directly to the PED 102.

The rotatable case 2400 may include a holder 2402 extending from arotational hub 2408 and coupled to the outer edges of the PED 102. Insome embodiments, the holder 2402 may include clips coupled to the outeredge of the PED 102 using a compression fit. In alternative embodiments,the holder 2402 may be secured to the outer edge of the PED 102 usingreleasable clips, straps, or any other selectively locking mechanism. Incertain embodiments, the length of the holder 2402 may be adjusted sothat the holder 2402 fits securely around the outer edge of the PED 102.In this manner, the holder 2402 may be adjusted to secure PEDs 102having varied dimensions.

In certain embodiments, the rotational hub 2408 may include a rotationalmechanism configured to allow the holder 2402 to rotate relative to avertical support 2404. The rotational mechanism may include a rotatinggrommet, a ratcheting swivel or pivot, a ball and socket mechanism, atemporary adhesive, a releasable latch, a clip, one or more buttons, asuction cup, and/or one or more straps allowing for rotationalsecurement of the holder 2402 to the vertical support 2404. In certainembodiments, the vertical support 2404 may be configured to support thePED 102 in a substantially upright and/or elevated position allowing forviewing of the display 104. In some embodiments, the rotational hub 2408may snap into certain specific rotational orientations (e.g., portraitorientation, as illustrated in FIG. 92, and/or landscape orientation, asillustrated in FIG. 93) and require rotational force to move to adifferent specific orientation. In alternative embodiments, therotational hub 2408 may not snap into specific orientations but mayallow for rotational articulation in any number of orientations.Further, in certain embodiments, the vertical support 2404 may becoupled to the holder 2402 via a non-rotatable connection including, forexample, a fixed and/or hinged mechanism.

The vertical support 2404 may be configured to allow for its length tobe adjusted using a sliding track or similar adjustable mechanism. Incertain embodiments, the length of the vertical support 2404 may beconfigured to be adjusted to one or more predetermined positions via aselective locking mechanism or the like. In other embodiments, thevertical support 2404 may have a fixed length.

The vertical support 2404 may be coupled to a base 2410 via a hinge 2412allowing the vertical support 2404 to rotate relative to the base 2410in one or more directions. In certain embodiments, by varying theorientation of the vertical support 2404 relative to the base 2410 viathe hinge 2412, a viewing angle of the PED 102 disposed in the holder2402 may be adjusted.

In certain embodiments, the base 2410 may include one or morestabilizing supports 2414 configured to extend outward from the base2410 on one or more sides and/or in one or more directions. In certainembodiments, the stabilizing supports 2414 may increase the surface areaof the base 2410 on a working surface, thereby increasing the stabilityof the rotational case 2400 when in use. In some embodiments, thestabilizing supports 2414 may be slid along a track or similar mechanisminto the base 2410 when not in use, as illustrated in FIG. 94, and beslid out of the base 2410 to provide a more stable platform when in use,as illustrated in FIGS. 92-93 and FIG. 95.

In some embodiments, the base 2410 may include one or more integratedinterfaces 2406 configured to interface with the PED 102. For example,as illustrated in FIGS. 92-93 and FIG. 95, the base 2410 may include akeyboard 2406. In other embodiments, the interfaces 2406 may include atouch pad, a speaker, or any other interface device capable of beingintegrated into the base 2410.

When the PED 102 is not in use, the rotatable case 2400 may bereconfigured by a user into a stowage configuration, as illustrated inFIG. 94. To reconfigure the rotatable case 2400 in a stowageconfiguration, the PED 102 may be articulated around the hinge 2412 soas to cover the display 104 of the PED 102 with the top surface of thebase 2410. In such a configuration, interfaces 2406 disposed on the topsurface of the base 2410 may also be protected from external damage. Incertain embodiments, reconfiguration of the case 2400 into a stowageconfiguration may require that the length of the vertical support 2404be adjusted and/or a particular rotational orientation of the PED 102 beachieved. In some embodiments, the base 2410 may be secured to the PED102 in the stowage configuration via a magnetic connection, one or morereleasable clips, straps, and/or other locking mechanism allowing forthe rotatable case 2400 to be selectively locked into a stowageconfiguration and selectively release from the stowage configuration.

FIGS. 96-99 illustrate a rotatable case 2500 for a PED 102 including anintegrated keyboard 2502. The rotatable case 2500 may include a holder2504 configured to receive, secure, retain, and carry the PED 102, andmay include any combination of the various features and embodimentsdescribed in any of the cases and/or holders described herein. Asillustrated, the holder 2504 may be configured to retain the PED 102 bymechanically securing the PED 102 using a compression fit mechanism orthe like. In certain embodiments, the holder 2504 may retain the PED 102by securing one or more corners of the PED 102.

The holder 2504 may be coupled to a rotational mechanism 2506 which inturn may be coupled to a vertical support 2508 via an upper hinge 2510.In certain embodiments, the rotational mechanism 2506 may be configuredto allow the holder 2504 to rotate relative to the vertical support2508. The rotational mechanism 2506 may include a rotating grommet, arotating hub, a ratcheting swivel or pivot, a ball and socket mechanism,a temporary adhesive, a releasable latch, a clip, one or more buttons, asuction cup, and/or one or more straps allowing for rotationalsecurement of the holder 2504 to the vertical support 2508. In certainembodiments, the vertical support 2508 may be configured to support thePED 102 in a substantially upright and/or elevated position allowing forviewing of the display 104. In some embodiments, the rotationalmechanism 2506 may snap into certain specific rotational orientations(e.g., portrait orientation, as illustrated in FIG. 98, and/or landscapeorientation, as illustrated in FIG. 96, and require rotational force tomove to a different specific orientation. In alternative embodiments,the rotational mechanism 2506 may not snap into specific orientationsbut may allow for rotational articulation in any number of orientations.Further, in certain embodiments, the vertical support 2508 may becoupled the holder 2504 via a non-rotatable connection including, forexample, a fixed and/or hinged mechanism, and may be connected directlyor via the upper hinge 2510.

The vertical support 2508 may be configured to allow for its length tobe adjusted using a sliding track or similar adjustable mechanism. Incertain embodiments, the length of the vertical support 2508 may beconfigured to be adjusted into one or more predetermined positions via aselective locking mechanism or the like. In other embodiments, thevertical support 2508 may have a fixed length.

The vertical support 2508 may be further coupled to a base 2514 via alower hinge 2512 allowing the vertical support 2508 to rotate relativeto the base 2514 in one or more directions. In certain embodiments, byvarying the orientation of the vertical support 2508 relative to thebase 2514 via the lower hinge 2512 and/or the holder 2504 via the upperhinge 2510, a viewing angle of the PED 102 disposed in the holder 2404may be adjusted.

As illustrated, the base 2514 may include one or more integratedinterfaces 2502 configured to interface with the PED 102. For example,as illustrated in FIGS. 96-98, the base 2514 may include a keyboard. Inother embodiments, the interfaces 2502 may include a touch pad, aspeaker, or any other interface device capable of being integrated intothe base 2514. In certain embodiments, the interfaces 2502 may beconfigured to extend outward from the base 2514 on one or more sidesand/or in one or more directions. In certain embodiments, by extendingoutwards, the interfaces 2502 may increase the effective surface area ofthe base 2514 on a working surface, thereby increasing the stability ofthe rotational case 2500 when in use. Further, by extending theinterfaces 2502 outwards, the effective usable area of the interfaces2502 may be increased. For example, when the interfaces 2502 include akeyboard, as illustrated in FIGS. 96-98, extending the keyboard outwardsmay increase the size of the keyboard. In certain embodiments, theinterfaces 2502 may be slid along a track or similar mechanism into thebase 2514 when not in use, as illustrated in FIG. 99, and be slid out ofthe base 2514 when in use, as illustrated in FIGS. 96-98.

When the PED 102 is not in use, the rotatable case 2500 may bereconfigured by a user into a stowage configuration, as illustrated inFIG. 99. To reconfigure the rotatable case 2500 in a stowageconfiguration, the PED 102 may be articulated around the upper hinge2510 and the lower hinge 2512 so as to cover the display 104 of the PED102 with the top surface of the base 2514. In such a configuration,interfaces 2502 disposed on the top surface of the base 2514 may also beprotected from external damage. In certain embodiments, reconfigurationof the case 2500 into a stowage configuration may require that thelength of the vertical support 2508 be adjusted and/or a particularrotational orientation of the PED 102 be achieved. In some embodiments,the base 2514 may be secured to the PED 102 in the stowage configurationvia a magnetic connection, one or more releasable clips, straps, and/orother locking mechanism allowing for the rotatable case 2500 to beselectively locked into a stowage configuration and selectively releasefrom the stowage configuration.

FIGS. 100-102 illustrates a support 2600 for a PED 102. As illustrated,the support 2600 may include a holder (not shown) configured to receive,secure, retain, and carry the PED 102, and may include any combinationof the various features and embodiments described in any of the casesand/or holders described herein. In certain embodiments, a rotatablekickstand 2602 may be coupled to the holder and configured to supportthe holder and PED 102 in an substantially upright and/or elevatedposition In other embodiments, as illustrated, the support 2600 mayinclude a rotatable kickstand 2602 coupled directly to the PED 102 oneor more straps, buckles, clips, adhesives, and/or any other similarattachment feature.

In certain embodiments, the rotatable kickstand 2602 may incorporatesimilar features to the kickstand 1908 described above in reference toFIGS. 78-81. In this manner, the viewing angle of the PED 102 may beadjusted by articulating the rotatable kickstand 2602 in various manners(e.g., changing the relative angle between the kickstand 2602 and thePED 102, adjusting the length of the kickstand 2602, and the like).Further, the viewing orientation of the PED 102 may be adjusted byrotating the relative position of the kickstand 2602 relative to the PED102 using a rotational mechanism.

The support 2600 may further include a cover 2604 which in someembodiments, may include one or more integrated interfaces 2606configured to interface with the PED 102. For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 100-101, the cover 2604 may include a keyboard. In otherembodiments, the interfaces 2606 may include a touch pad, a speaker, orany other interface device capable of being integrated into the cover2604.

When the PED 102 is not in use, the support 2600 may be reconfigured bya user into a stowage configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 102. Toreconfigure the support 2600 in a stowage configuration, the cover 2604may be secured over a side of the PED 102 so as to cover the display 104of the PED 102 with the cover 2604 and protect it from external damage.In such a configuration, interfaces 2606 disposed on an inner surface ofthe cover 2604 may also be protected from external damage. In someembodiments, the cover 2604 may be secured to the PED 102 in the stowageconfiguration via a magnetic connection, one or more releasable clips,straps, and/or other locking mechanism allowing for the cover 2604 to beselectively locked into a stowage configuration and selectively releasefrom the stowage configuration.

FIG. 103 illustrates an interaction between a support panel 2708 of arotatable case 2700 and a securing panel 2702 via a selectivelydetachable rotational mechanism 2716, 2718. In certain embodiments, therotatable case 2700 may include any combination of the various featuresand embodiments illustrated and described in reference to the rotatablecase 800 of FIGS. 22-32. As illustrated, the rotatable case 2700 mayinclude a securing panel 2702 configured to receive, secure, retain, andcarry a PED, and may include any combination of the various features andembodiments described in any of the cases and/or holders describedherein.

The rotatable case 2700 may include a base 2706 with one or more supportchannels 2710 and a supporting panel 2708 comprising a lower portion2712 and a pivot flat 2714. The selectively detachable rotationalmechanism 2716, 2718 may include a rear portion 2716 coupled to thesupporting panel 808 and a front portion 2718 coupled to the securingpanel 2702, which may include one or more access ports 2704. In certainembodiments, the rear portion 2716 may be coupled to the pivot flat 2714of the supporting panel 2708.

According to various embodiments, the front portion 2718 of theselectively detachable rotational mechanism 2716, 2718 may be mated withthe rear portion 2716 of the selectively detachable rotational mechanism2716, 2718 in order to rotatably secure the securing panel 2702 to thepivot flap 2714 and/or supporting panel 2708. In this manner, thesecuring panel 2702 may be free to rotate 360 degrees relative to thesupporting panel 2708 about the selectively detachable rotationalmechanism 2716, 2718.

In certain embodiments, the front portion 2718 and the rear portion 2716of the grommet may be joined together during manufacturing or assemblyand are not configured to be selectively separated by a user.Alternatively, a user may selectively separate the front portion 2718from the rear portion 2716 in order to remove the securing panel 2702from the pivot flap 2714, as illustrated in FIG. 103. In otherembodiments, the front portion 2718 and the rear portion 2716 of thegrommet are inseparable and the grommet may be selectively detachablefrom the pivot flap 2714 and/or the securing panel 2702.

FIG. 104 illustrates an interaction of a selectively detachablerotational mechanism 2716, 2718 and a securing panel 2702 of a rotatablecase 2700 for a PED (not shown). Particularly, FIG. 104 illustrates thesecuring panel 2702 of FIG. 103 mounted on a surface 2720 which may, asshown, be a back of a car seat. In alternative embodiments, the surface2720 may be refrigerator door, a wall, a door, a desk, a window, and/orany other appropriate surface.

To mount the securing panel 2702 on the surface 2720, the rear portion2716 of the rotational grommet may be mounted to the surface 2720, andthe front portion 2718 may be secured to the rear portion 2716, therebyrotationally securing the securing panel 2702 to the surface 2720. Incertain embodiments, the rear portion 2716 may be mounted to the surface2720 using, for example, an adhesive, hook and loop mechanisms, buttons,one or more zippers, and/or clamps. Further, in some embodiments, therear portion 2716 may be mounted to the surface 2720 using a mechanismallowing for rotation of the rear portion 2716 in one or more directionsrelative to the surface 2720 such as, for example, a hinge, a ball andsocket joint, and the like. In certain embodiments, the mechanismallowing for rotation of the rear portion 2716 in one or more directionsmay allow a viewing angle of a PED disposed in the securing panel 2702to be adjusted relative to the surface 2720.

FIG. 105 illustrates a rotatable case 2800 including a user interface2820. As illustrated, the rotatable case 2800 may include a securingpanel 2802 configured to receive, secure, retain, and carry the PED (notshown), and may include any combination of the various features andembodiments described in any of the cases and/or holders describedherein. According to various embodiments, the rotatable case 2800 mayinclude various access ports (such as 2804 and 2806) to facilitateinterfacing a PED disposed within the rotatable case 2800 with connectorplugs, cables, headphones, speakers, and/or power adaptors. In certainembodiments, the rotatable case 2800 may include built-in cords to routepower, connectivity, and/or headphone cables from a PED to an externaldevice. Moreover, according to various embodiments, a battery may bebuilt into a panel or pocket of the rotatable case 2800.

In certain embodiments, the rotatable case 2800 may have the ability torotate the securing panel 2802 with respect to a supporting panel 2808and a base panel 2810. Any of a wide variety of rotatable securingdevices may be employed to rotatably secure securing panel 2802 tosupporting panel 2808. For example, bushings, flanged bushings,grommets, rivets, eyelets, plain bearings, bearings, and/or anycombination thereof may be employed to rotatably secure the securingpanel 2802 to the supporting panel 2808. For example, as illustrated, agrommet 2812 may be configured to rotatably secure the securing panel2802 to the supporting panel 2808. In some embodiments, the grommet 2812may comprise a ring that may allow a logo to show through the hole inthe middle of grommet 2812. In certain embodiments, one or moreinterchangeable accessories and/or inserts may “snap” into the hole inthe middle of grommet 2812 including, for example, a logo insert, aproximity alarm or other loss prevention accessory, and the like.

The base panel 2812 may be configured with channels or groves 2814 tosecure the bottom edge of securing panel 2802 when the securing panel2802 is in an upright and/or elevated position. According to variousalternative embodiments, in place of channels 2814 a frictional surface(e.g., rubberized surface or the like) or frictional contact patches maybe utilized to secure the bottom edge of the securing panel 2802 in anupright and/or elevated position.

The supporting panel 2808 may be configured to provide a counterforce tothe securing panel 2802 in order to support securing panel 2802 in anupright and/or elevated position. As illustrated, the supporting panel2808 and the base panel 2810 may comprise a single panel folded or bentat 2816. According to various embodiments, the relative proportions ofthe base panel 2810 and the supporting panel 2808 may be adapted for aparticular application. Further, in certain embodiments, the rotatablecase 2800 may be configured to support a PED at one or more anglesrelative to the base panel 2810 and in a plurality of orientations,including portrait and landscape.

In certain embodiments, the rotatable case 2800 may be configured in astowage mode, wherein the base panel 2810 may be oriented so as to coverand protect a display of a PED secured in the securing panel 2802 fromexternal damage. In some embodiments, the base panel 2810 may includeone or more integrated interfaces 2820 including, as illustrated in FIG.105, a keyboard. In other embodiments, the interfaces 2820 may include atouch pad, a speaker, or any other interface device capable of beingintegrated into the base 2810. In certain embodiments, when therotatable case 2800 is configured in a stowage mode, the securing panel2802 and/or the PED may cover and protect the interfaces 2820 fromexternal damage.

It will be understood by those having skill in the art that changes maybe made to the details of the above-described embodiments withoutdeparting from the underlying principles presented herein. For example,the rotating and/or pivoting systems allowing for adjustable viewingorientation disclosed herein may be integrated into a stand, a mount, orany other type of accessory configured to receive a PED. In addition,any suitable combination of various embodiments, or the featuresthereof, is contemplated. Further, any methods disclosed herein maycomprise one or more steps or actions for performing the describedmethod. These method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with oneanother. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions isrequired for proper operation of the embodiment, the order and/or use ofspecific steps and/or actions may be modified.

Throughout this specification, any reference to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or “the embodiment” means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with thatembodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the quotedphrases, or variations thereof, as recited throughout this specificationare not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Similarly, itshould be appreciated that in the above description of embodiments,various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment,figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining thedisclosure. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpretedas reflecting an intention that any claim require more features thanthose expressly recited in that claim. Rather, inventive aspects lie ina combination of fewer than all features of any single foregoingdisclosed embodiment. It will be apparent to those having skill in theart that changes may be made to the details of the above-describedembodiments without departing from the underlying principles set forthherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A case for a portable electronic device, theportable electronic device including a back side and a display side, thecase comprising: a base panel configured rest on a working surface; asupport panel pivotally coupled to the base panel and configured tosupport the portable electronic device in an elevated position, thesupport panel comprising: a lower portion pivotally coupled to the basepanel to allow the lower portion to pivot away from the base panel andelevate the support panel relative to the base panel; and a pivot flappivotally coupled to the lower portion; a rotational grommet coupled tothe pivot flap; and a securing panel comprising a circular aperture,coupled to the rotational grommet at the circular aperture, andcomprising a receiving side and a back side, the receiving sideconfigured to receive and secure the portable electronic device, whereinthe rotational grommet is configured to allow the securing panel torotate in one or more directions relative to the support panel, whereinthe base panel and support panel are configured to pivot to a stowageposition such that the receiving side of the securing panel faces thebase panel and the base panel is adjacent to the display side of theportable electronic device secured in the securing panel and the pivotflap and the lower portion extend in the same plane to form the supportpanel, and wherein the base panel and support panel are configured topivot to a display position such that the support panel pivots to adesired angle to support the securing panel at an angled position. 2.The case of claim 1, wherein in the stowage position an interior surfaceof the base panel covers the display side of the portable electronicdevice secured in the securing panel.
 3. The case of claim 1, whereinthe base panel comprises an interior surface having one or more channelsconfigured to receive an end of the securing panel to position thesecuring panel in an angled position.
 4. The case of claim 1, whereinthe base panel comprises an interior surface having one or more channelsconfigured to receive an end of the portable electronic device disposedin the securing panel to position the portable electronic device in anangled position.
 5. The case of claim 1, wherein the base panelcomprises an interior surface having one or more ridges.
 6. The case ofclaim 1, wherein the base panel comprises an interior surface having ahigh-friction material.
 7. The case of claim 6, wherein thehigh-friction material is a rubberized material.
 8. The case of claim 1,wherein the securing panel includes one or more ports for accessinginterfaces included in the portable electronic device.
 9. The case ofclaim 1, wherein, in the stowage position, the base panel and thesupport panel are configured to retain at least a majority of thesecuring panel therebetween.
 10. A case for a portable electronicdevice, the portable electronic device including a back side and adisplay side, comprising: a base panel configured to sit on a workingsurface; a support member pivotally coupled to the base panel andconfigured to support the portable electronic device in an elevatedposition; a rotational mechanism coupled to the support member; and aholder comprising, a back side coupled to the rotational mechanism, anda front side configured to receive the portable electronic device andsecure the portable electronic device with the display side exposed,wherein the rotational mechanism is configured to allow the holder torotate between landscape and portrait positions relative to the basepanel, and wherein the support member is configured to pivot the holderfrom the elevated position wherein the display side is accessible to astowage position wherein the front side of the holder faces the basepanel and the display side is covered by the base panel and the supportmember extends along an exterior of the case.
 11. The case of claim 10,wherein the rotational mechanism comprises a rotational grommet.
 12. Thecase of claim 11, wherein the rotational grommet comprises a firstportion coupled to the support member and a second portion coupled tothe holder.
 13. The case of claim 12, wherein the first portion isconfigured to selectively detach from the second portion.
 14. The caseof claim 10, wherein the rotational mechanism is configured to lock intoone or more predetermined relative rotational orientations of the holderand the support panel.
 15. The case of claim 10, wherein the base panelcomprises an interior surface having one or more channels.
 16. The caseof claim 10, wherein the base panel comprises an interior surface havingone or more ridges.
 17. The case of claim 10, wherein the base panelcomprises an interior surface having a high-friction material.
 18. Thecase of claim 17, wherein the high-friction material is a rubberizedmaterial.
 19. A case for a portable electronic device comprising: a basepanel having an interior surface and an outer surface and configured tohave the outer surface sit at least in part on a working surface; asupport panel pivotally coupled to the base panel the support panelincluding, a lower portion pivotally coupled to the base panel to allowthe lower portion to pivot away from the base panel and elevate thesupport panel relative to the base panel; and a pivot flap pivotallycoupled to the lower portion, wherein the lower portion has a lengthextending from the pivotal coupling with the base panel to the pivotalcoupling with the pivot flap, and wherein the pivot flap has a lengthextending from the pivotal coupling to the lower portion; a rotationalmechanism coupled to the pivot flap; and a securing panel coupled to therotational mechanism and comprising a back side and a receiving sideconfigured to receive and secure the portable electronic device, whereinthe securing panel has a length and width, both of which aresubstantially greater than the combined lengths of the lower portion andthe pivot flap, wherein the rotational mechanism is configured to allowthe holder to rotate in one or more directions relative to the supportpanel, wherein the base panel and support panel are configured to pivotto a stowage position, such that the receiving side of the securingpanel faces the base panel and the base panel is adjacent to a displayside of the portable electronic device secured in the securing panel,and wherein the base panel and support panel are configured to pivot toa display position such that the support panel pivots to a desired angleto support the securing panel at an angled position and the securingpanel contacts the interior surface of the base panel to retain theangled position.
 20. The case of claim 19, wherein the rotationalmechanism comprises a rotational grommet.
 21. The case of claim 20,wherein the rotational grommet comprises a first portion coupled to thesupport panel and a second portion coupled to the securing panel. 22.The case of claim 21, wherein the first portion is configured toselectively detach from the second portion.
 23. The case of claim 19,wherein the rotational mechanism is configured to lock into one or morepredetermined relative rotational orientations of the securing panel andthe support panel.
 24. The case of claim 19, wherein the base panelcomprises an interior surface having one or more channels.
 25. The caseof claim 19, wherein the base panel comprises an interior surface havingone or more ridges.
 26. The case of claim 19, wherein the base panelcomprises an interior surface having a high-friction material.
 27. Thecase of claim 19, wherein the high-friction material is a rubberizedmaterial.
 28. The case of claim 19, wherein, in the stowage position,the base panel and the support panel are configured to retain at least amajority of the securing panel therebetween.